The Taylorville Police Department reported the following to Regional Radio News;
The TPD responded to the following vehicle crashes.
On October 22, 2024, the Taylorville Police Department responded to a traffic collision at the intersection of North Washington Street and Wilson Street. Upon arrival, officers found two vehicles obstructing the right lane of Washington Street. Witness statements indicated that a minor attempted to cross the intersection, colliding with a vehicle driven by Roger L. Stokes Jr., who had the right of way.
The intersection had a stop sign for north-south traffic on Washington Street, which the minor mistakenly believed applied in all directions. Unaware that Stokes had the right of way, the minor proceeded into the intersection. Both vehicles sustained significant damage and were subsequently towed from the scene. Although neither driver required medical transport, the minor received a citation for failing to reduce speed to avoid an accident under statute 625 ILCS 5/11-601(a).
On October 24, 2024, at approximately 11:58 a.m., Taylorville Police Department officers responded to a traffic accident near the intersection of N. Webster and W. Vine Street. Upon arrival, officers found John Harris of Taylorville, the driver of the second vehicle, conscious and out of his vehicle. Maurice E. Mathias of Mount Auburn, the driver of the first vehicle, remained in his vehicle and was also conscious, though he appeared disoriented, potentially experiencing a medical issue. EMS was called to assess Mathias, who was then transported to St. John’s Hospital for further evaluation due to confusion and difficulty answering standard questions.
According to Harris, he observed Mathias approaching from behind prior to the collision. Harris stated he was traveling southbound at a normal speed at the time of impact. A witness reported that Mathias's vehicle appeared to be accelerating and drifting to the right just before the collision. Mathias was cited for Failure to Reduce Speed and for having No Valid Insurance. His vehicle was subsequently towed from the scene by Kertow’s Auto Salvage, and he was transported by Dunn’s Ambulance for medical care.
On October 25, 2024, at around 10:46 p.m., Officer Niles (#338) responded to a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of Spresser Street and Cheney Street in Taylorville, Illinois. Upon arrival, Officer Niles observed both vehicles, driven by Robert T. Oyler and Trisha L. Hancock, still on the roadway.
Oyler admitted to disregarding the traffic signal, which led to the collision with Hancock’s vehicle. Both vehicles sustained disabling damage and were subsequently towed from the scene. Motor Vehicle Accident Information forms were provided to both parties, and Oyler received a citation for disobeying the traffic control signal
On October 25th, 2024 at 9:25 PM Ariana R. McDaniel Stewart of Palmer was driving west in the 1100 block of W. Spresser St. when Heather Obil of Taylorville, traveling east in the 1200 block, entered the westbound lane, resulting in a head-on collision in the westbound lane of W. Spresser St. Obil was transported by ambulance to St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL. A passenger in McDaniel Stewart's vehicle was also taken by ambulance to St. John's for treatment. McDaniel Stewart herself declined on-scene treatment but later sought medical care at St. John’s Hospital, driven there by family.
On October 30, 2024, at approximately 8:41 a.m., Officer Niles (#338) observed a two-vehicle accident near the intersection of Prairie St. and Shumway St. in Taylorville. Darlene R. Bouvet of Taylorville attempted to pass Robert W. Grigsby of Springfield as Grigsby was entering traffic. Bouvet’s vehicle collided with the driver’s side of Grigsby’s vehicle during this maneuver.
Grigsby had activated his vehicle’s flashing lights and had already started to enter traffic before Bouvet approached. Both drivers received Motor Vehicle Accident Information forms before Officer Niles cleared the scene.
On October 31st, 2024 at 5:37 PM Edward D. Bialis of Tovey was traveling south on Rt. 29, while Thomas Chambers of Bullpit was heading north on the same road. As Bialis entered the intersection at Rt. 104, Chambers attempted to make a left turn in front of him without yielding. Bialis was unable to stop in time, resulting in a collision with Chambers’ vehicle. Chambers was issued a citation for failure to yield while turning left. His vehicle was towed from the scene by Taylorville Towing, while Bialis was able to drive away. Both drivers declined medical treatment at the scene.