SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Tahj C. Trotter, 24, of Springfield, was arrested early Jan. 2 following a reckless driving incident involving his children and the mother of his children.
Springfield Police responded at 3:26 a.m. to a disturbance at 1516 E. Edwards, later identified as 1518 E. Edwards. When officers arrived, a 2009 white Dodge Caravan, driven by Trotter, began backing out of the yard. Despite police attempts to stop him, Trotter fled the scene, disobeying stop signs at 14th & Edwards and 14th & Capitol. The van was later located at 229 N. Park.
Video footage revealed Trotter driving recklessly while the mother of his four children was on the hood of the van, yelling for him to stop. He was also seen placing a child in the backseat during the dangerous incident, putting the children at immediate risk.
Trotter admitted to driving the vehicle. He was charged with:
Aggravated fleeing or eluding and disobedience of multiple traffic devices (Class 4 felony)
Aggravated battery of a peace officer
Domestic battery (Class A misdemeanor)
Endangering the life or health of a child
Resisting arrest (Class A misdemeanor)
Authorities highlighted the immediate danger to both the children and the woman involved, emphasizing the severity of Trotter’s reckless behavior.
