A state trooper was seriously hurt in a crash on Highway 115 late Wednesday afternoon.
Trooper Tyler Atkins was investigating a crash a few miles southwest of Colorado Springs when his patrol SUV was rear-ended at 3:44 p.m., according to the Colorado State Patrol. Photos published by CSP show significant damage to both the SUV and the Nissan Sentra that rear-ended it.
Atkins, who was inside the SUV at the time, was transported to UCHealth Memorial Central with critical but not life-threatening injuries.
CSP later confirmed that Atkins was treated in the hospital and then released a few hours later to continue his recovery at home. The driver who caused the accident remained on the site, according to CSP. The motorist, who was not recognized, was thought to be under the influence at the time.
“What else must we say to convince drivers to pay attention?” According to Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol, in a release. “If you hold the steering wheel, you must be sober, with your eyes up, and it is your job to keep everyone else on the road safe.
There are no warnings for neglecting to move over, or for driving while impaired; only long-term penalties. Do your role as a driver, and concentrate on the work at hand. Our families, lives, and your safety rely on it.”
According to CSP, this is the 11th year a state police vehicle has been struck, and the second time this month.
Both sides of the highway were closed for about two hours. Around 7:15, the incident cleared, allowing traffic to continue travel in both directions between Colorado Springs and Penrose.
Reference: State trooper involved in the crash, badly injured along Highway 115