Fairview Heights, IL – A 28-year-old motorist, Keajion L. Jennings, deliberately drove his gray 2018 Chevrolet Camaro into the back of a Fairview Heights Police Department SUV during a routine traffic stop on Wednesday, narrowly missing an officer and nearly trapping him between the vehicles.
Jennings later told police he did it because he was “bored” and “hates cops.”
Crash Captured on Body Camera
Body camera footage released by the Fairview Heights Police shows the officer stepping out of his cruiser when Jennings intentionally collided with the squad car. Seconds after the crash, Jennings emerged from his wrecked vehicle and asked, “What happened?”
When the officer responded, “You tell me?” Jennings calmly replied, “I need a new car.” He was then instructed to sit on the sidewalk while waiting for an ambulance. Despite multiple attempts to get up, Jennings followed the officer’s instructions.
Suspect’s Admission
During questioning, Jennings admitted to drinking and consuming marijuana pills before the crash. He then explicitly stated that he hit the police vehicle on purpose.
Jennings told the officer he did it because he was “bored” and “hates cops.” He was immediately handcuffed and arrested on the scene.
Charges and Arrest
Keajion L. Jennings is currently being held at the St. Clair County Jail. Authorities report that the crash caused over $10,000 in damage to the police cruiser.
The St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office has charged Jennings with:
- Criminal Damage to Government Property (1 count)
- Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon (2 counts)
- Aggravated Battery with a Motor Vehicle (1 count)
Due to the severity of the incident, authorities have requested that Jennings remain detained until trial, citing him as a significant danger to the community.
Investigation
The Illinois State Police are leading the ongoing investigation into the incident. Fortunately, the two people originally stopped by the officer suffered no injuries and only received a warning for expired vehicle tags, according to the reports.
Dangers of Reckless Driving
This case underscores the serious risks of impaired and reckless driving:
- Life-threatening accidents can occur even at low speeds
- Legal consequences include criminal charges, hefty fines, and jail time
- Property damage and community safety risks are significant
- Impaired judgment from drugs or alcohol can escalate minor traffic stops into dangerous situations
Residents are urged to report reckless driving and support law enforcement in keeping the community safe.
What do you think about this dangerous crash and the suspect’s admission? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
