Fatal Traffic Crash At Freeport Rd. And Winslow Rd.

 Narrative:  On Friday, December 16, 2011, at 1:00 AM, Winnebago County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a one-vehicle crash at Winslow Rd. and Freeport Rd. (IL Rt 75.)  The arriving deputy found a 1994 Buick LeSabre Limited on its top off of the roadway to the south side of the highway. Investigation revealed the vehicle was traveling eastbound on Rt. 75 and left the roadway, striking a utility pole, shearing the pole off.  The vehicle rolled and came to rest on its top.  When the deputy arrived on the scene, one person was outside of the vehicle and one was trapped in the vehicle, which was on fire.  The deputy attempted to pull the trapped victim from the vehicle, but was not able to free her, and the fire continued to burn, growing in size.  The deputy attempted to control the fire with a fire extinguisher, but it had little effect.  The trapped occupant of the vehicle died at the scene, and the other person was transported by helicopter to Rockford Memorial Hospital. The deceased victim has been identified by the Winnebago County Coroner’s office as:  Angela M. Schaffer, 29 years old, 7468 Stephens Road, Rockton, IL.  The injured person has been identified as Andrew J. Edgar, 32, 7468 Stephens Road, Rockton, IL.   Shirland and Durand Fire Departments and EMS also responded to the scene. After being released from the hospital, Edgar was charged with two counts of Aggravated Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol involving a death, and he was lodged in the Winnebago County Jail with no bond.  Investigation into the crash is continuing. The criminal charges are merely an accusation and Mr. Edgar is presumed to be innocent of the charges unless and until future court proceedings establish him to be guilty.