Pontiac police Officer Casey J. Kohlmeier and his K-9 partner Draco were killed in a car accident. (Pontiac police)
An Illinois police officer and his K-9 partner were killed in a crash Wednesday night on I-55 in downstate Illinois, MyFoxChicago.com reported.
Casey J. Kohlmeier, an officer for the Pontiac police, and his K-9 partner Draco were stopped in the I-55 median turn-around north of Route 23 when a vehicle northbound on the interstate struck the marked squad car, a police statement said. Kohlmeier, 29, and Draco were both killed.
The driver of the other vehicle was hospitalized, though details on his condition were not immediately available, according to police.
Kohlmeier, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, was hired by the Pontiac police force in January 2007 and was assigned to the Livingston County Pro-Active Unit, the statement said.
"Casey was a dedicated, honorable employee who was deeply committed to law enforcement and to the community. He will be greatly missed," the statement said.
The hottest stories ripped from the headlines, from crime to courts, legal and scandal.
