RIDGWAY MAN CHARGED IN FATAL SALINE COUNTY CRASH

21-year-old Jacob C. Ahrens of Ridgway, the son of Illinois State Police Master Sergeant Paul Ahrens, has been charged in connection with a fatal traffic crash earlier this month.
Authorities say Ahrens was under the influence of alcohol when the pickup truck he was driving on Illinois Route 34 near Harco Road in Saline County left the roadway on August 8th and crashed into a rip rap-filled ditch.
The crash claimed the life of Mattix Sandifer, 20, a Gallatin County High School graduate and Southeastern Illinois College athlete who was riding in the back seat. A second passenger, a 20-year-old from Ridgway, was also injured.
The Saline County State’s Attorney has formally charged Ahrens with Driving Under the Influence (DUI), a Class A misdemeanor. He also faces several traffic violations, including improper lane usage, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, and driving without insurance. His first court appearance is set for September 22nd.
Ahrens also has a pending Gallatin County case for speeding more than 35 mph over the posted limit, with a court date on September 17th. Records show he was previously cited in 2023 for driving 15–20 mph over the limit, but that charge was dismissed.