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Hammond Today
By the People, for the People
Indiana State Police Trooper Narrowly Avoids Injury After Vehicle Strikes Patrol Car
Trooper jumped over concrete barrier to safety during traffic stop on I-80 in Hammond
Published on Feb. 24, 2026
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An Indiana State Police trooper narrowly avoided injury on Interstate 80 in Hammond on Sunday night when he leaped over a concrete barrier to avoid being struck by a vehicle that crashed into his patrol car during a traffic stop. The trooper, Sgt. Glen Fifield, had stopped a Kia for a traffic violation and was outside his vehicle when he observed a 2020 Ford Fusion traveling toward him in the emergency lane. Recognizing the danger, Fifield jumped over the barrier just before the Ford struck the rear of his patrol car, pushing it into the Kia he had pulled over. The Ford driver may have been experiencing a medical emergency at the time of the crash.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the dangers that law enforcement officers face during routine traffic stops, as vehicles failing to merge or slow down can lead to devastating consequences. It also underscores the importance of drivers remaining alert and obeying the 'move over' laws when approaching emergency vehicles on the side of the road.
The details
Around 9:55 p.m. on February 22, Sgt. Glen Fifield was conducting a traffic stop on I-80 in Hammond and had pulled over a Kia for a violation. With his patrol car positioned on the shoulder and emergency lights activated, Fifield exited his vehicle and observed a 2020 Ford Fusion traveling toward him in the emergency lane instead of merging into the travel lanes. Recognizing the imminent danger, Fifield quickly jumped over the adjacent concrete barrier wall just before the Ford struck the rear of his patrol car, pushing it into the Kia. The Ford came to a stop in the right lane, and additional troopers responded to assist. Preliminary investigation indicates the Ford driver may have been experiencing a medical emergency at the time.
- The incident occurred around 9:55 p.m. on February 22, 2026.
- Sgt. Fifield was conducting the traffic stop on Interstate 80 in Hammond, Indiana.
The players
Sgt. Glen Fifield
An Indiana State Police trooper who was conducting a traffic stop on I-80 when his patrol car was struck by another vehicle.
Driver of the Ford Fusion
The driver of a 2020 Ford Fusion that crashed into Sgt. Fifield's patrol car, potentially due to a medical emergency.
What they’re saying
“This incident underscores the dangers our troopers face every day while performing routine traffic stops on our highways. We continue to remind motorists to remain alert, slow down, and move over when approaching emergency vehicles stopped along the roadway.”
— Lt. Terrance Weems, Commander of the State Police Lowell Post (Indiana State Police)
What’s next
The crash remains under investigation by the Indiana State Police.
The takeaway
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face during routine traffic stops, and the importance for drivers to remain vigilant and follow 'move over' laws to protect those who protect us on the roads.
