Crime & Safety
State Trooper Critically Injured in Fatal Accident is an Oswego Resident
Doug Balder returned home to Oswego last June following his third tour with the U.S. Navy.
The Illinois State trooper critically injured in a fatal Monday night crash has been identified as Oswego resident Doug Balder.
Balder, a U.S. Navy Senior Chief, returned home from his third tour in June of 2013 to a hero's welcome from the community.
He recently rejoined the Illinois State Police, where he was hurt late Monday evening while assisting a stranded semi-truck driver, according to ABC 7.
A semi heading east at around 9:45 p.m. Monday near Eola Road struck Balder's car and the stalled semi. His police lights were reported as flashing.
Illinois tollworker Vincent Petrella, 39, was killed in the crash. Balder's car was crushed, but he was able to crawl out from the burning vehicle.
"Our trooper is in critical condition," Hiram Grau, Illinois State Police director told ABC 7. "He is expected to make it. Right now does have some extensive injuries."
Read more about the crash and investigation on ABC 7.
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