An Indiana State Police trooper was hospitalized Tuesday evening after a driver struck him along U.S. 41 in Knox County while he stood outside his patrol vehicle, according to state police officials.
Master Trooper Brett Pool was along U.S. 41 near Decker around 6:13 p.m. when a northbound SUV struck both him and his state police vehicle, ISP Evansville District spokesman Sgt. John Davis wrote in a news release. The driver of the SUV, 33-year-old Anna Elkins of Vincennes, was not injured in the crash.
Pool was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes, where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The extent of Pool’s injuries was not described in the release, and his condition was not immediately available Wednesday.
Elkins was cited for unsafe lane movement (an infraction), though as of yet no criminal charges have been filed. Investigators do not believe alcohol and drugs were a factor in the crash. The investigation remains ongoing.
State police cited the incident to urge motorists to “remain alert, avoid distractions and use caution when approaching emergency vehicles and other roadside hazards.
“Drivers should slow down and move over whenever possible to help ensure the safety of first responders and all individuals working along Indiana roadways,” Davis wrote in the news release.
Indiana law requires drivers approaching a stationary emergency or law enforcement vehicle displaying lights to vacate the nearest lane when safely possible. If a lane change cannot be made safely, drivers must reduce their speed.
This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Trooper hit by SUV along U.S. 41; driver cited, not arrested
Reporting by Houston Harwood, Evansville Courier & Press / Evansville Courier & Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Houston Harwood, Evansville Courier & Press | USA TODAY Network
