Tennessee Truck Driver Charged In I-55 Crash

(CBS) --Illinois State Police say a semi-truck driver from Tennessee fell asleep while driving on I-55 and causing a 12 vehicle crash early Friday morning.

Five people were hospitalized and nine others were treated at the scene after the crash at 3:50 a.m. Friday near First Avenue in southwest suburban Summit, police said.

Police say that the truck driver, 52-year-old Mark Tipton of Crossville Tennessee, admitted to falling asleep and did not attempt to stop.

Tipton has been charged with driving while fatigued, a felony. He was also charged with brake out of adjustment, automatic slack adjusters required, 14-hour rule violation, false report of duty status, and failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash.

Tipton is scheduled to appear in bond court Sunday.