Officer: Driver who killed state trooper fell asleep multiple times before the crash

FREEPORT - A truck driver accused of reckless homicide in the death of an Illinois State Police trooper allegedly fell asleep multiple times before the crash.

Authorities say Craig W. Dittmar was driving the semitrailer that slammed into Trooper Brooke Jones-Story on March 28 while she inspected another semitrailer on Route 20 near Freeport.

State Police Sgt. Charles Davidson, during a preliminary hearing Thursday, testified Dittmar admitted falling asleep and took a short nap earlier during his trip from Joliet.

Defense attorney Christopher DeRango argued against the state's assertion Dittmar suffered from a condition that impaired his driving. Stephenson County State's Attorney Carl Larson argued Dittmar continued to drive though he knew his condition hindered his ability to drive safely.

Judge Michael Bald found probable cause to charge Dittmar with two counts of reckless homicide and one count of operating while fatigued. Dittmar, who pleaded not guilty.