Trooper Struck by Vehicle at Crash Scene in Duane

State police officer sustains non-life-threatening injuries after being hit by a vehicle while investigating an earlier accident.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A New York State Police trooper was struck by a vehicle while investigating a property damage accident on February 13, 2026 in Duane, New York. The incident occurred around 8:07 a.m. at the intersection of State Route 458 and State Route 30. The trooper, Bailey Martin, was outside her patrol vehicle when a Dodge Durango driven by Colin M. Wanat struck her. Wanat told police he failed to see the stop sign due to sunlight impairing his vision. Trooper Martin and the occupants of the Durango were evaluated at the scene, with Trooper Martin sustaining non-life-threatening injuries and later returning to duty.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers law enforcement officers face when responding to accidents and other incidents on the roadways. It also raises questions about driver visibility and awareness, especially in situations with poor lighting conditions or obstructed views.

The details

Trooper Bailey Martin, assigned to SP Malone, was outside her marked patrol vehicle consulting with another trooper when the gray 2016 Dodge Durango, driven by Colin M. Wanat, 21, of Eastham, Massachusetts, approached the intersection. Wanat told police he failed to observe the posted stop sign due to sunlight impairing his vision. He attempted to stop and turn onto State Route 30 but was unable to do so, striking Trooper Martin and colliding with her unoccupied patrol vehicle.

  • The incident occurred at approximately 8:07 a.m. on February 13, 2026.
  • Trooper Martin has since returned to duty.

The players

Trooper Bailey Martin

A New York State Police trooper assigned to SP Malone who was struck by a vehicle while investigating a property damage accident.

Colin M. Wanat

A 21-year-old driver from Eastham, Massachusetts who struck Trooper Martin with his 2016 Dodge Durango.

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What they’re saying

“We must ensure the safety of our law enforcement officers as they work to protect our communities.”

— Governor Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York (State of New York Press Release)

What’s next

The New York State Police are continuing to investigate the incident and determine if any charges will be filed against the driver.

The takeaway

This accident underscores the risks police officers face when responding to calls, and the importance of driver awareness and caution when approaching accident scenes or areas with emergency vehicles present.