Chicago Man Convicted in Violent Attack on Trooper

A jury in Sangamon County has found 37-year-old Chicago resident Cristobal Santana guilty on all charges brought against him stemming from a violent encounter with Illinois State Police Trooper Dakotah Chapman-Green during a traffic stop in Springfield. Santana was convicted of two counts of attempted first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated battery to a police officer, and one count of unlawfully discharging a firearm.

The incident occurred on October 24, 2023, when Trooper Chapman-Green initiated a traffic stop in the 1600 block of Toronto Road and Santana was identified as the driver. At that moment, gunfire erupted, Santana opened fire, striking the trooper in the leg. After emptying a magazine, he reportedly struck Chapman-Green in the head with the firearm. The suspect fled the scene but was apprehended by law enforcement hours later. Both Chapman-Green and Santana sustained injuries during the altercation that required hospitalization.

Santana now faces a sentencing range of 45 years to life in prison, with sentencing scheduled for December.

In a statement, State Police Director Brendan Kelly said, "ISP thanks the Sangamon County State Attorney's Office and the jurors in the trial of Cristobal Santana for their work in bringing Santana to justice after he attempted to murder ISP Trooper Dakotah Chapman-Green on a traffic stop in October 2023. By the grace of God, Trooper Chapman-Green survived the attack and has returned to full duty with ISP. Officers like Chapman-Green selflessly put their lives on the line every day to protect the public. This conviction reaffirms that their sacrifice is recognized and justice will not only be pursued, but prevail."

Trooper Chapman-Green, whose recovery has been arduous and included treatment for multiple gunshot wounds, facial and skull fractures, and a brain bleed, has demonstrated remarkable resilience, returning to duty after extensive physical and mental rehabilitation.