(Galesburg, IL) -- A Galesburg Police officer is recognized after he was able to have a train stopped when a driver got stuck on the train tracks.
Galesburg Police say on Sunday, Officer Chris Beaupre found a Ford Fusion stuck on the train tracks west of Academy Street and Ferris Street. The officer called for the trains on the track to be stopped.
GPD says the driver, 27 year old Nicholas Collins, said he missed a turn and ended up on the tracks. While the officer spoke with Collins, police say the railroad lights came on as a train was approaching. Due to the notice provided by the officer, the train was able to stop before Collins and his vehicle were hit.
The police department says Collins had several indicators of alcohol impairment and after conducting an investigation Collins was arrested. He’s being charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, driving without liability insurance and illegal transportation of alcohol.
“The quick actions of Officer Beaupre on this case prevented a train/car crash, and saved the life of the driver, Nicholas Collins,” officials said in a release. “The Galesburg Police Department would like to express our gratitude to Officer Beaupre for his excellent service to the Galesburg community. Officer Beaupre was awarded a “Blue Max” award by his supervisor for a job well done.”
The police department recently implemented the Blue Max Award program to recognize officers for a job well done and encourage excellence within the department.