Man Sentenced to 95 Years for Shooting Illinois State Trooper

Cristobal Santana convicted of attempted murder and assault of Trooper Dakotah Chapman-Green during a 2023 traffic stop in Springfield

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:34pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car window or bullet casing against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh camera flash to create a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic without depicting any violence or victims.A violent attack on an Illinois state trooper exposes the dangers law enforcement officers face in the line of duty.Springfield Today

Cristobal Santana, 40, was sentenced to 95 years in prison for the attempted murder of Illinois State Trooper Dakotah Chapman-Green during a 2023 traffic stop in Springfield. Santana was found guilty on five counts, including attempted murder of a police officer, after a jury trial that included video evidence of the shooting and assault. Trooper Chapman-Green survived the attack but spent nine months recovering from his injuries.

Why it matters

Attacks on law enforcement officers are considered serious crimes that threaten the rule of law and public safety. This sentencing sends a strong message that violence against those who protect communities will be harshly punished, and it highlights the dangers faced by police officers in the line of duty.

The details

In October 2023, Trooper Chapman-Green pulled over Cristobal Santana as a suspect in a Chicago murder case. Dash cam and security footage showed Santana exiting his vehicle and opening fire on the trooper, chasing him through a parking lot and continuing to shoot until he ran out of ammunition. Santana then beat the injured trooper with his gun. Chapman-Green suffered a brain bleed and skull fracture but survived the attack.

  • On October 24, 2023, Trooper Dakotah Chapman-Green pulled over Cristobal Santana in Springfield.
  • In August 2026, a jury convicted Santana on five counts, including attempted murder of a police officer.
  • On April 3, 2026, Judge Ryan Cadigan sentenced Santana to 95 years in prison.

The players

Cristobal Santana

A 40-year-old man convicted of attempted murder of an Illinois State Trooper and other charges related to the 2023 shooting and assault.

Trooper Dakotah Chapman-Green

The Illinois State Trooper who was shot multiple times and assaulted by Cristobal Santana during a 2023 traffic stop, but survived the attack after a lengthy recovery.

Judge Ryan Cadigan

The judge who sentenced Cristobal Santana to 95 years in prison for the attempted murder of Trooper Chapman-Green and other charges.

John Milhiser

The State's Attorney who prosecuted the case against Cristobal Santana and requested the 95-year sentence.

Brendan F. Kelly

The Director of the Illinois State Police, who issued a statement condemning the attack on Trooper Chapman-Green.

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What they’re saying

“Every day, ISP officers are in harm's way, selflessly facing danger and making personal sacrifices for our safety. When an officer is attacked, it is not just an attack on that officer, it is an attack on the rule of law and the fabric of our society. The efforts of the prosecutors and the court's sentence show the severity of the attack on Trooper Dakotah Chapman-Green and sends a clear message that violence against those who protect our communities will face justice.”

— Brendan F. Kelly, Director, Illinois State Police

What’s next

The judge's 95-year sentence for Cristobal Santana means he will likely spend the rest of his life in prison, barring any successful appeals.

The takeaway

This case highlights the dangers law enforcement officers face in the line of duty and the justice system's commitment to holding those who commit violence against police accountable with lengthy prison sentences, sending a strong message that such attacks on the rule of law will not be tolerated.