Pictured is the CPD Police Interceptor involved in a Christmas Eve crash on Old State Route 3. (submitted photo)

At about 6:30 p.m. Christmas Eve, a Columbia Police Department Ford Explorer Police Interceptor driven by officer Steve Patton was traveling on Old State Route 3 near the George Weber Chevrolet auto dealership when it was rear-ended by Daniel Haven, 38, of Dupo, who was driving a 2002 Toyota sedan with two young juvenile passengers.

Patton was treated for minor injuries at the scene. Both passengers in Haven’s vehicle were transported by ambulance to Mercy South for injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

Illinois State Police, who investigated the crash, said Haven was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and no insurance.