On Friday, September 2, 2022, at approximately 7:17 a.m., the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two-vehicle crash on Freeport Road, just north of Penrose Road. Preliminary investigation revealed a red Chevrolet, driven by Keonna Lauts, age 33 of Sterling, IL, was traveling southbound on Freeport Road. It collided with a northbound, white Kia, driven by Cassandra Hale, age 60 of Sterling, IL. Occupants of both vehicles, including four juveniles, were transported to CGH with moderate-to-severe, but non-life threatening, injuries. Lauts was cited for Improper Lane Use and Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle.
Whiteside County Deputies were assisted on scene by Illinois State Police, Sterling Fire Department, CGH EMS, Polo EMS, Advance Ambulance, and Slim N’ Hanks.