URBANA, Ill. (Chambana Today) — A Champaign County Sheriff’s Office K-9 deputy was involved in a traffic crash Friday night in the 3200 block of East University Avenue, according to Urbana police.
The crash occurred at approximately 8:54 p.m. Friday and involved a marked CCSO K-9 squad vehicle and a black Mini Cooper.
Preliminary investigation indicates the sheriff’s squad vehicle was traveling westbound on University Avenue when the Mini Cooper, traveling eastbound, attempted a sudden left turn northbound in front of the deputy’s vehicle.
Following the crash, the K-9 deputy exited his vehicle and rendered medical aid to the occupants of the Mini Cooper. The deputy was later medically evaluated and cleared, with no serious injuries reported.
The driver and front-seat passenger of the Mini Cooper were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
The CCSO police service dog was transported to the University of Illinois Veterinary Medicine Emergency Room for evaluation and was medically cleared with no serious injuries.
Police identified the driver of the Mini Cooper as 29-year-old Gretchen Raila of Champaign. Raila was cited for aggravated driving under the influence, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and failure to yield while making a left turn. The K-9 deputy was not cited.
The crash remains under investigation by the Illinois State Police and the Urbana Police Department. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
