CHICAGO, ILLINOIS — A New Jersey semi-truck driver is facing attempted murder charges after allegedly driving recklessly on northbound Interstate 57 in Chicago on April 28, causing eight separate crashes, then getting out of his truck and attempting to strangle a driver he pulled from one of the wrecked vehicles.
Illinois State Police received reports of multiple crashes on I-57 northbound starting at 127th Street. Hassan A. Moutassim, 25, of Jersey City, New Jersey, allegedly drove his semi-truck recklessly through traffic, triggering eight crashes in succession. After the final crash near Halsted Street, Moutassim stopped his truck, got out, physically removed a driver from one of the crashed vehicles, and began beating him — including an attempt to strangle him. Officers arrived and took Moutassim into custody. The victim was transported to an area hospital with injuries.
On April 29, ISP Troop 3 troopers and Zone 1 Special Agents presented the case to the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. Moutassim was charged with the following:
• Attempted Murder — Class X Felony
• Aggravated Battery on a Public Way — Class 3 Felony
• Aggravated Battery — Strangulation — Class 3 Felony
He is being held pending his first court appearance.
Illinois State Police used the incident to remind drivers to keep their composure on the road. “Road Rage. Don’t Engage. If you are the victim of road rage or believe a driver is following or harassing you, call 911 and/or go to the nearest police department to report it,” ISP said.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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