A trucker accused of hitting a protester on Monday has not been charged in connection with the incident following a police investigation.
The incident took place on Monday, August 10, around 12:10 p.m., in front of the IKEA distribution center located at 650 Emerald Drive in Joliet, Illinois.
According to Patch Joliet, more than 100 employees were picketing on strike to demand better wages and working conditions when a semi-truck approached the premises. At that moment, the man appeared to be struck by the semi-truck, prompting witnesses to call the police.
When the police arrived, they spoke with the 41-year-old protester, who was being treated by paramedics, and with the 39-year-old truck driver. The protester stated that he had been struck by the truck while protesting. The truck driver then told police that the man had stepped in front of his vehicle before falling to the ground.
“As part of the investigation, officers reviewed surveillance camera footage of the incident,” said Joliet Police Department spokesperson Dwayne English.
The protester received medical treatment for minor injuries. No citations were issued in connection with the incident. No further information has been provided.
