A former Springfield police sergeant has admitted guilt in a drunk driving incident from last year that resulted in injuries to two individuals. The incident has stirred significant public concern due to perceived leniency in the initial handling of the case.

Michael Egan, 51, appeared in court on Friday for what was scheduled to be a pretrial hearing. Instead, he entered guilty pleas for charges of driving under the influence (DUI) and aggravated DUI, according to Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser.

The incident occurred on September 5, 2024, just before Egan’s planned retirement from the Springfield Police Department. While driving along East Lake Shore Drive, Egan made a turn onto Laconwood Drive without signaling. This maneuver placed him directly in the path of a motorcycle carrying two riders, resulting in a collision that ejected both from the vehicle.

The riders, Trevor Hopkins and Chelsey Farley, sustained serious injuries and required hospitalization. Subsequently, Hopkins filed a lawsuit against both Egan and the establishment where Egan allegedly consumed alcohol prior to the crash.

Initially, Egan was issued a citation at the scene rather than being immediately arrested, sparking outrage among Springfield residents. Many were upset not only because Egan was a law enforcement officer but also due to suspicions that he received preferential treatment following the accident.

Then-Police Chief Ken Scarlette later apologized for the officers’ actions at the scene. They were later ordered to attend and complete retraining.

Having pleaded guilty, Egan now faces up to 12 years in prison. He will be sentenced in January.