Trooper Clay M. Carns, Illinois State Police, Illinois

Trooper Clay M. Carns

Illinois State Police, Illinois

End of Watch Monday, December 23, 2024

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Clay M. Carns

Trooper Clay Carns was struck and killed by a passing vehicle on I-55 near Channahon, Illinois.

At 9:42 p.m., Trooper Carns was removing debris from the southbound highway north of Blodgett Road when a driver did not stop and struck him. He was transported to St. Joseph Hospital, where he died from his injuries an hour later.

The driver was charged with failure to slow down and move over when emergency vehicles were on the side of the road.

Trooper Carns had served with the Illinois State Police for 11 years. He is survived by his wife, two children, and parents.

December 23 is Scott Law Day in Illinois, also known as the "Move Over Law," which requires drivers to slow down or move over for emergency or construction vehicles.

Bio

Age 35
Tour 11 years
Badge 6512

Incident Details

Cause Vehicular assault
Weapon Automobile
Offender Charged with Class 4 felony

traffic hazard

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The true measure of a person
is not found in the
might of their arm,
their wealth
or their power –
it is found in the strength
of their character.

There is no greater testimony to
ones character, than ones
willingness to sacrifice all,
in the noble quest of
providing protection to all
whom they serve.

Author Unknown

Javier Cornejo
Police Officer, Retired
City of Milwaukee Police Department
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

February 12, 2025