A Freeport, Illinois man was killed early this morning in an pedestrian / vehicle accident involving an Illinois State Police Cruiser on IL Route 116 at Centennial Drive in East Peoria. 44-year-old Jarett J. Simons was hit and killed about 4:19 a.m. according to the Tazewell County Coroner’s Office and the Illinois State Police.
A statement from the Illinois State Police says preliminary investigations indicate a District 8, Metamora-based State Trooper was traveling in the left lane of Route 116 when he struck a pedestrian walking in the middle of the unlit highway. The statement says further the trooper did not have time to correct before striking Simons. An autopsy is planned for today. The Illinois State Police, East Peoria Police Department and Tazewell County Coroner's Office continue with the investigation.