State Trooper Struck While Investigating Another Accident

On Aug. 6 at approximately 9:45 a.m., troopers from the Michigan State Police (MSP) Negaunee Post responded to US41 near Midway Dr. in Marquette Township for a personal injury crash. The preliminary investigation indicated that a vehicle driven by a 56-year-old male was traveling eastbound on US41 when it lost control and was struck by a vehicle driven by a 36-year-old female traveling westbound.

The at-fault vehicle then struck a guardrail and came to rest in the turn lane of the roadway.

While a trooper was investigating this two-vehicle personal injury traffic crash, another vehicle traveling on the roadway attempted to avoid a secondary collision near the scene.

Unfortunately, this maneuver was unsuccessful. The vehicle struck a vehicle that was involved in the secondary crash and then struck the trooper, causing him to maneuver onto the hood of the car to avoid serious injury.

The vehicle then collided with a vehicle involved in the initial crash. The driver who struck the trooper was identified as a 57-year-old woman from Laurium.

The trooper sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where they were treated and subsequently released.

The 57-year-old woman was cited for failure to yield to an emergency vehicle. Motorists who violate the move over law and cause injury to a police officer, firefighter, or other emergency response personnel could be charged with a felony (up to two years in prison) and/or a $1,000 fine.

This is a harsh reminder to slow down and move over for emergency personnel. Thankfully, our trooper did not sustain serious injuries.