By Crash News Writer 
St. Louis, MO (September 18, 2025) – A tragic incident unfolded Tuesday afternoon when a St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officer was killed in a crash while driving to work.
According to the Illinois State Police, the collision occurred around 4:30 p.m. on September 17 near milepost 4 on Interstate 55 in Illinois. Officer Malik Baker, who served in District 4 and had been with the department for nearly four years, was traveling southwest in a Toyota when he rear-ended a Ford pickup hauling a trailer. The impact caused fatal injuries, and Baker was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Ford, a 57-year-old man from Forsyth, Missouri, was transported to the hospital for treatment. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
This report is based on preliminary statements from law enforcement and may evolve as further details become available. For answers to common legal concerns, visit our page on frequently asked questions in Illinois.
- Authorities have not publicly released further details about potential charges, pending notification of the officer’s family and the ongoing investigation.
- Updates on road closures and traffic disruptions will be posted by local agencies as information is confirmed.
- For additional help and support following a crash, explore our accident resources in Illinois.
This article serves as a public resource only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. Information herein is compiled from early reports and may be updated as facts become available. To learn more, view our full disclaimer.
If someone you know was injured or killed in a collision like this, contact a trusted Illinois personal injury lawyer to protect your rights today.