Police car hit by train, no one injured

A Lake County Sheriff's detective escaped injury Monday night when his unmarked car became stuck on snow near railroad tracks in Round Lake Park and was struck by an oncoming Metra train. The car was not so fortunate. No injuries were reported aboard the train. Courtesy of the Lake County Sheriff's Office

A Metra train struck an unmarked Lake County sheriff's squad car late Monday, but no one was hurt, police said.

The accident happened about 10:20 p.m. near Route 134 and Porter Road in Round Lake Park.

A detective was driving the car across train tracks when the gates lowered, Lake County Undersheriff Raymond J. Rose said. When a van in front of the car stopped to turn, the detective hit his brakes, swerved and got stuck in snow next to the tracks.

The rear of the car was extended over the tracks, Rose said.

The detective got out of the car before the impact, which badly damaged the 2002 Honda Accord.

The train, which was headed north, didn't stop until it reached the next station in Round Lake, Rose said. Police talked to the engineer there for a few minutes and then let the train continue to its next destination. No one aboard the train was injured, authorities said.

No tickets were issued after the crash, which remains under investigation. No disciplinary action has been taken against the detective, Rose said.