Illinois police officer, K-9 partner killed in crash
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}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.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}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.