March 29, 2024
Local News

Police: Semi driver cited for DUI after blocking I-80 lane for hours

Orland Park man suffered minor injuries in jackknife crash

A 48-year-old Orland Park man was cited for driving under the influence of alcohol Tuesday night after the semitrailer he was driving jack-knifed, blocking a lane on Interstate 80 for almost five hours, police said.

John Mulica was driving a semitrailer west on I-80 east of Interstate 55 about 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to a news release from Illinois State Police.

Mulica reportedly lost control of the truck, causing it to jack-knife into the center median ditch. The 48-year-old suffered minor injuries and was taken to an area hospital.

He later was charged with driving under the influence, illegal transportation of alcohol, failing to reduce speed to avoid a crash and improper lane usage, according to the release.

The left lane was shut down until about 9 p.m. Tuesday, while crews worked to remove the semitrailer.