The estate of Lauren Wegner has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Divernon Police and the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office stemming from a deadly crash last November that left the 35-year-old Skokie woman dead.
The lawsuit alleges the Divernon officer pulled Shane Woods over for speeding and the officer smelled alcohol. Reports indicate Woods spoke of his pending charges for tax evasion and prison time for his role in the January 6th Capitol Riots. Woods then reportedly told the officer he was going to harm himself.
The suit seeks $50,000 and the costs of the lawsuit because it says the Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy who arrived on the scene to assist did not park in front of Wood’s vehicle to block him.
Woods drove off and entered I-55 going the wrong way before crashing into Wegner’s vehicle. WAND TV reports that Wood’s blood alcohol level was later determined to be 0.14. Woods was indicted on a murder charge and five other counts in the case.