Mount Pulaski Police Chief Anthony West:
Running over pedestrian crossing signs is a Class A Misdemeanor

 

[October 11, 2019] 

It has been brought to my attention by my officers that someone has been running over the pedestrian crossing stop signs near our two elementary schools and leaving the scene. Two times in a week this has occurred and I personally feel these incidents are not accidental. Minimal damage to the signs has occurred. If anyone has information about who may be doing this, please contact the Mt. Pulaski Police Department at 217-792- 5018.

Illinois Vehicle Code 5/11-404 Duty to report upon damaging any unattended vehicle or other property (Class A Misdemeanor) shall be enforced if credible witnesses come forth with positive identification of anyone involved with the damage done to the signs. If intent to damage the signs can be proven through witness accounts and/or my officers personally witnessing the attempt to intentionally damage these signs, additional charges may apply.

A report will be submitted to the State's Attorney requesting an additional charge of Criminal Damage to Government Supported Property (ILCS 5/21- 1.01... Class 4 Felony) in addition to the Class A Misdemeanor of failing to report the damage.

These signs are placed strategically to provide safer crosswalks for our children attending the elementary schools. Any attempts to jeopardize our children's safety will be dealt with by application of the most severe penalties available by State of Illinois statute!

If an accidental collision with one of these signs is quickly reported to authorities, a simple crash report may be all that is necessary.

[Anthony L. West Chief of Police]