Screenshot 2026-01-22 at 11.39.01 AM

Manhattan Police Chief Reports Rise in Traffic Accidents; Ordinance Violations Surge

January 22, 2026/
Spread the love

Manhattan Village Board Meeting | Jan. 20, 2026

Article Summary: Manhattan Police Chief Jeff Gulli presented annual statistics to the Village Board on Tuesday, noting a concerning increase in traffic accidents and a significant rise in commercial truck violations. The board also discussed ongoing conversations with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) regarding safety improvements.

Manhattan Police Department Key Points:

  • Traffic Accidents: The village recorded nine more traffic accidents in 2025 compared to the previous year, totaling 73 incidents.

  • Truck Violations: Chief Gulli reported an increase of 412 commercial truck violations cited over the last year.

  • Overtime Reduction: The department successfully reduced overtime hours by 855 compared to the prior year.

  • IDOT Discussions: Village officials are actively engaging with state representatives to address safety concerns on state routes.

The Manhattan Village Board on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, received the 2025 annual wrap-up report from Police Chief Jeff Gulli, who highlighted shifting trends in public safety activity, specifically regarding traffic incidents and enforcement.

Chief Gulli reported that while some metrics showed operational improvements, traffic safety remains a priority. He noted that traffic accidents within the village increased by nine incidents over the previous year. According to the police department’s monthly report, there were 73 traffic accidents in 2025 compared to 64 in 2024.

“That’s something we’re going to have to pay close attention to because I don’t see that trend changing unless we change things with us and IDOT,” Gulli told the board. “So hopefully we’ll work towards that.”

The discussion on traffic safety was echoed by Trustee Clint Boone, who referenced a specific recent incident, though he did not provide details. Boone offered prayers for the family involved and confirmed that the village is pressing for state-level assistance.

“We’re still having conversation with IDOT and we’ll continue to do so, leaning into our Representative [Anthony] DeLuca and Senator [Patrick] Joyce,” Boone said.

In addition to accident data, Gulli reported a sharp increase in enforcement regarding commercial vehicles. He stated that 412 more commercial truck violations were cited last year. Department data lists a total of 2,245 ordinance violations issued in 2025, compared to 1,833 in 2024—a difference of exactly 412.

On an operational level, Gulli highlighted fiscal efficiency, noting that the department utilized 855 fewer hours of overtime in 2025 compared to 2024.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Cook County offers loans after latest tax bill delays

Cook County offers loans after latest tax bill delays

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The latest delay in property tax billing by Cook County is expected to cost local governments. Cook...
Illinois Quick Hits: Storms cause damage, closures

Illinois Quick Hits: Storms cause damage, closures

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Severe storms on Wednesday caused damage in many areas around Illinois, including the state fairgrounds in Springfield....
Extension of pension buyout program to drop $144B liability

Extension of pension buyout program to drop $144B liability

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois General Assembly passed legislation extending a program that allows retiring state employees to be paid...
Schools face bus funding, cost challenges

Schools face bus funding, cost challenges

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Public schools are facing bus transportation challenges due to higher costs and a shortage of drivers. State...
‘Family Month’ backer cites biology, declining birth rates in defense of resolution

‘Family Month’ backer cites biology, declining birth rates in defense of resolution

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Family Institute Executive Director David Smith is praising a proposal from U.S. Rep. Mary Miller...
Aldermen say lawmakers failed to address illegal cannabis sales near schools

Aldermen say lawmakers failed to address illegal cannabis sales near schools

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As the Chicago City Council’s public safety committee moved forward with an ordinance that would increase penalties...
Illinois Quick Hits: Oak Park woman charged with child care fraud

Illinois Quick Hits: Oak Park woman charged with child care fraud

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Oak Park woman is charged with defrauding the state of Illinois out of more than $30,000...
Florida attorney general appeals Chicago judge’s ‘lawless’ transgender ruling

Florida attorney general appeals Chicago judge’s ‘lawless’ transgender ruling

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Saying a Chicago federal judge overstepped his constitutional authority, Florida's state attorney general has asked a federal appeals court to quickly reverse...
Congressman calls out Chicago schools' academic woes

Congressman calls out Chicago schools’ academic woes

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago Public Schools Superintendent Macquline King testified before Congress that math and reading proficiency rates for CPS...
Everyday Economics: A stable labor market is not enough

Everyday Economics: A stable labor market is not enough

By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square The May jobs report offered a measure of reassurance: the labor market is stable. Employers are still adding jobs, layoffs remain contained, and the economy...
Fishermen advocate begins campaign against offshore wind, ‘industrializing’ of the ocean

Fishermen advocate begins campaign against offshore wind, ‘industrializing’ of the ocean

By Tate RosentreterThe Center Square (The Center Square ) – The New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association began a campaign to bring attention to what it says is a radical climate...
Sorensen drug-pricing bill draws criticism from former FDA official

Sorensen drug-pricing bill draws criticism from former FDA official

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen, D-Illinois, is backing legislation he says would lower prescription drug costs by...
Supporters, critics clash over future of taxpayer funding for Rx Kids

Supporters, critics clash over future of taxpayer funding for Rx Kids

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Michigan lawmakers remain divided over the future of the state's Rx Kids program as House Republicans continue scrutinizing the initiative. The first-in-the-nation cash assistance program,...
U.S. Senate race headlines Maine primaries as voters head to polls Tuesday

U.S. Senate race headlines Maine primaries as voters head to polls Tuesday

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Voters in Maine will head to the polls Tuesday in high profile primary races that could help determine control of Congress. The races have garnered...
Bessent backs 3% deficit goal despite 5% budget forecasts

Bessent backs 3% deficit goal despite 5% budget forecasts

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pledged in two congressional hearings this week to cut the federal deficit to 3% of GDP, a target the government's...