On Monday, July 8th, at approximately 2:30 PM, Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office Telecommunications received a 911 call reporting a 2 vehicle crash on Freeport Road, at the intersection of Penrose Road, rural Sterling.
Initial investigation by responding Deputies, and the Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit determined 59-year-old Laura Jenkins-Reffett of Altona was traveling northbound on Freeport Road, and attempted to turn west on Penrose Road. There, a south bound motorcycle, driven by 27-year-old Tanner Rennie of Morrison collided with the vehicle driven by Jenkins-Reffett.
Rennie was transported from the scene via OSF LifeFlight with serious injuries. Jenkins-Reffett was issued a citation for Failure to Yield while Turning Left. The crash remains under investigation.
The Sheriff’s Office was assisted on scene by Sterling Fire Department, Rock Falls Fire Department, CGH EMS, OSF LifeFlight, Slim N’ Hanks.
The public is reminded all charges are merely accusations, and persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
