Four Indiana State Police Troopers Struck in Last 44 Hours

Indiana State Police want to remind all motorists that they are required by law to yield the right of way to emergency vehicles that are stationary along side the roadway

MONROE COUNTY, IN - Today, at approximately 11:25 a.m., an Indiana State Police cruiser was struck in the rear while complying with Indiana’s Move Over Law. The collision sent one trooper to the hospital, but no other injuries reported.

Preliminary investigation revealed that Indiana State Police Sergeant Rusty Garrison had stopped a vehicle on SR 37 (southbound) just south of 3rd St near Bloomington. Master Trooper Jon Patrick was approaching the traffic stop in his 2004 Ford Crown Victoria cruiser and moved into the passing lane to comply with Indiana’s Move Over Law.

When Trooper Patrick moved into the passing lane and reduced his speed to allow other motorists in front of him to move over, he was struck in the rear by a 2002 Ford F350 flatbed truck. The driver of the truck was Johnnie Lash, age 37, of Springville, IN.

A passenger in the Patrick vehicle, Master Trooper Kurt Feather, was transported to Bloomington Hospital for complaint of back pain. Both troopers were on duty and are assigned to the Bloomington District.

The Indiana State Police want to remind all motorists that they are required by law to yield the right of way to emergency vehicles that are stationary along side the roadway by making a lane change into a lane not adjacent to that of the emergency vehicle. If changing lanes is not possible or is unsafe, motorists should reduce their speed and pass with caution.

Source: Indiana State Police

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