An incident involving a Democratic official in Will County, Illinois, has caught the public's attention and led to controversy. Jackie Traynere, a member of the Will County Board, allegedly struck a child with her vehicle while he was riding his bike through a crosswalk earlier this month. Despite the alarming nature of the event, Traynere was only issued a minor citation for failing to yield, causing a stir among the community and online commentators.
The incident occurred when the child entered the crosswalk, reportedly with the right-of-way indicated by traffic signals. While the southbound traffic had stopped, Traynere is accused of making an illegal turn that resulted in her vehicle hitting the child. Paramedics treated the boy at the scene, and fortunately, he did not require hospitalization; however, his bicycle was damaged during the collision.
Traynere did not stay at the scene following the incident. She later reported to a police station, claiming she saw a child "fall off" his bicycle but was uncertain whether her vehicle had struck him. Police reports noted unexplained scratches and dents on Traynere's car, as well as visible fingerprints near the damage.
The situation only became widely known after WGN9 filed a Freedom of Information Act request, leading to the release of body camera footage from the police. The footage included conversations with the child confirming he was struck while crossing, and witnesses provided Traynere’s license plate number to authorities. Despite this evidence, the Bolingbrook officials chose to issue only a citation for failing to yield to a pedestrian, rather than pressing more serious charges.
Traynere's attorney has defended her actions, dismissing claims that she "ran over" the child as false and defamatory. He asserted that the incident has been taken out of context and indicated that Traynere plans to contest the citation in court.
Jackie Traynere's political career spans over a decade; she has been on the Will County Board since 2008, serving as the Democratic leader from 2022 to 2024. She is also an administrator for DuPage Township and ran for mayor of Bolingbrook in 2021.
The handling of the incident by local authorities has prompted sharp online criticism, with many demanding justice and suggesting the presence of a double standard. Critics argue that a non-political figure might have been arrested under similar circumstances. This case has added to the ongoing debate about political figures' accountability and whether their status affords them protection from the law.
Under Illinois statutes, drivers involved in accidents, particularly with pedestrians or cyclists, are mandated to remain at the scene, ensure the welfare of any victims, and report the incident. Traynere's departure from the scene has raised questions about the application of this law and why she was not held to the full standard.
The decision to issue only a citation has ignited debate over the legal response and whether an ordinary citizen would have faced stricter consequences. For now, Traynere's only penalty is a ticket for failing to yield, but the community and online observers continue to scrutinize the case and call for a more thorough examination of the facts.
