Charges filed against 2 in connection with wrong-way crash that left ISP trooper injured

MARKHAM, Ill. (WGN) — Felony charges have been filed against two Harvey men accused in a wrong-way crash that left an Illinois State Police (ISP) trooper injured last week.

According to ISP, 44-year-old William Oiler has been charged with one felony count of theft, three counts of fleeing to elude, one count of fleeing to elude causing great bodily harm, and one count of leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

A second person, 57-year-old Herbert Needom, has also been charged with one count of felony theft and one count of possession of burglary tools in connection with the incident.

The charges stem from the duo’s alleged role in a wrong-way crash that unfolded along an on-ramp to Interstate 57 in the south suburbs on Thursday.

Troopers said it all started after officers from the Country Club Hills Police Department attempted to stop a car with two individuals inside in connection with a theft.

According to troopers, Oiler, who was allegedly behind the wheel at the time, fled from the officer and drove the wrong way onto I-57.

Troopers said Oiler allegedly continued driving the wrong way along I-57, before he eventually crashed head-on into a trooper who was entering the interstate from 159th Street.

Following the crash, both Oiler and Needom allegedly fled the scene on foot but were taken into custody in connection with the crash a short time later.

Troopers said Oiler and Needom were injured in the crash and were taken to the hospital following their arrests. They were taken into custody upon their release from the hospital.

Charges against the men were approved on Friday and both men are currently being held pending a detention hearing.

The trooper who was involved in the crash was later taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.