Child killed in hit and run accident Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Trooper Ed Howard

12/29/09

Safety Education Officer
District 14, Macomb
(309) 833-4046 Ext. 236
Cellular: (309) 252-2570


Macomb, IL -- The Illinois State Police (ISP), at the request of the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, investigated a two vehicle crash resulting in one fatality which occurred at IL Route 96 approximately ¼ of a mile North of County Road 1235N on December 28, 2009 at about 11:13 a.m. The crash occurred when a trailer being towed by a 1982 Ford Pickup driven by Gary L. Mason, age 42, of Argyle, IA, broke free, crossed the center line, and struck a 2006 Chrysler 4 door being driven by Lora L. Smajlovic, age 30, of Hamilton, IL.

Smajlovic received minor injuries and was transported to Keokuk, IA. Other passengers in Smajlovic’s vehicle included: Ann Leeper, age 56, of Hamilton, IL who received minor injuries and was transported to Carthage, IL, one minor child, age 2, who received minor injuries and was transported to Carthage, IL, one minor child, age 11, who received moderate injuries and was transported to Quincy, IL, and one minor child, age 6, who received fatal injuries and was transported to Keokuk, IA.

Mason was not injured and fled the scene of the crash. Mason was located in Lee County, IA and is currently being held at the Hancock County Jail. Mason is charged with Leaving the Scene of a Fatal Accident. The public is reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Responding agencies also included: Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, Hamilton Police Department, Lee County Iowa Sheriff’s Office, Hancock County States Attorneys’ Office, Hamilton Fire Department, Hancock County Ambulance, and Air Evac. This incident remains under investigation and no additional information is available at this time. Further media inquiries should be directed to the Illinois State Police.
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