VERMILLION COUNTY – On Saturday, April 25, 2026, at approximately 2:30 p.m., Master Trooper Chuck Murphy was conducting a traffic stop on State Road 63 near County Road 100 South when his fully marked commission was struck by a second passenger vehicle traveling southbound, driven by Carmen Thornton, 66, of Chicago, IL.
Calling for assistance, Sergeant Tyler Turchi arrived on scene. After assuring there were no injuries, a DUI investigation was then conducted on Thornton by Sergeant Turchi.
During the investigation, Thornton failed standard field sobriety tests and agreed to take a certified test. Legend drugs (prescription medication) were also discovered during a search of Thornton’s vehicle.
Thornton was transported to Union Hospital in Clinton for a certified chemical test. Once Thornton is medically cleared, she will be transported to the Vermillion County Jail on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a legend drug, and reckless driving.
Assisting Agencies: Vermillion County Sheriff’s Department and Clinton Police Department.
