An Illinois State Police K-9 handler was killed in an accident with a semi on Interstate 74, near Farmer City Thurs.
Trooper Ryan Albin was on patrol out of District 6 in Pontiac at the time the accident, after 3 pm. He was airlifted to an area hospital and died at about 8:45 last night. Trooper Albin’s canine partner Biko was in the backseat of the squad car at the time of the crash. Biko was transported to a local vet and is reported to have minor injuries.
Illinois State Police Director Leo Schmitz says the agency has a heavy heart as they mourn the loss of Troop Albin. Trooper Ryan Albin had been with the Illinois State Police for more than 11 years.
The preliminary investigation indicated the Trooper’s squad car was stuck by a semi. The crash remains under investigation.