Naperville police officer released from hospital after crash

Naperville police officer William Kovarik was released from Edward Hospital Thursday afternoon after being injured in a morning traffic accident.

"We're very grateful no one was badly hurt in this," Cmdr. Dave Hoffman said.

He would not discuss the specific injuries the 13-year veteran sustained in the crash that took place at 8:37 a.m. Thursday on Washington Street

Kovarik, 35, was conducting a traffic stop just south of Olympus Drive for a motorist who was speeding in a construction zone, according to police.

The officer was sitting in his marked squad car with emergency lights on when his vehicle was struck from behind by a 2007 Lexus SUV driven by Mary Mastro, 54, of Palos Park. The officer's car was pushed into the 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt in front of him and Kovarik was taken to Edward for treatment.

The other two drivers were not injured in the crash.

Mastro was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and failure to yield upon approaching an emergency vehicle.

Hoffman said he does not expect additional charges.

The squad car and SUV were towed from the scene. Washington Street between Hobson and Gartner roads was closed to northbound traffic while the crash was investigated.

Anyone with information about the accident is asked to call (630) 605-5285.