Sheriff's Deputy Struck by Passing Car on Highway Shoulder

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A Goodhue County Sheriff's deputy was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries after their parked squad car was struck from behind by a passing motorist on U.S. Highway 52 near Pine Island, Minnesota. The incident occurred while the deputy was parked on the shoulder awaiting a driving complaint.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the importance of the 'Move Over' law in Minnesota, which requires drivers to change lanes or slow down when passing stopped emergency vehicles, in order to protect law enforcement and other first responders working on the side of the road.

The details

According to the sheriff's department, the incident occurred around 4:11 pm on Saturday as the deputy was parked on the shoulder of U.S. Highway 52 near Pine Island. The deputy's squad car was struck from behind by a southbound vehicle. The department said the deputy sustained non-life threatening injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital.

• The incident occurred around 4:11 pm on Saturday, March 15, 2026.

What’s next

The Minnesota State Patrol is continuing to investigate the incident to determine the cause and any potential charges.