Man Arrested in Rockford After Chaotic Hit-and-Run, Drug Seizure

A man from Loves Park has been arrested on multiple charges after an alleged road rage incident on Tuesday afternoon (9/9).

Chaotic Crash on Busy Rockford Intersection

According to a Rockford Police Department press release, officers responded to a report of a hit-and-run crash around 3:22 pm on Tuesday at State Street and Alpine Road.

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Witnesses reported that a vehicle was speeding eastbound on East State Street in an erratic manner. Police say the driver came to a stop in traffic before accelerating, abruptly changing lanes, and allegedly rear-ending another vehicle.

The impact caused two additional vehicles to collide, and after the crash, the suspect reportedly exited the vehicle, confronted the driver they struck, and then returned to their car before fleeing from the scene.

Arrest and Drug Recovery

Officers later located the suspect's vehicle on North Mulford Road, where officers took them into custody.

Rockford Police identified the suspect as 46-year-old Rickie Traeger of Loves Park, who was reportedly in possession of more than 70 pills classified as a controlled substance, along with cannabis.

The Winnebago County State's Attorney's Office has authorized the following charges against Traeger:

• Reckless Driving
• Aggravated Battery
• Felony Criminal Damage
• Leaving the Scene of a Personal Injury Crash
• Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Possession of Cannabis

Ongoing Investigation

According to the press release, the charges against Traeger are accusations, and he is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

He is due in court again today (Wednesday, 9/10) at 1:30 pm, according to the Winnebago County Jail.