Trooper Walks Away After Violent Thruway Collision

Video shows trooper struck during traffic stop, but he is able to walk away with minor injuries.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 12:07pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged car sensor or dashboard component, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the violent collision that occurred during the traffic stop.The aftermath of a violent collision between a state trooper's vehicle and a passing car during a routine traffic stop exposes the dangers officers face on the roadside.NYC Today

Shocking video footage shows the moment a New York state trooper was struck by a vehicle while conducting a traffic stop on the state Thruway. The trooper was hit when the driver of another car crashed into the back of the trooper's cruiser, causing a chain reaction collision. Despite the violent impact, the trooper was able to walk away with only minor injuries.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers that law enforcement officers face during routine traffic stops, where they are vulnerable to being struck by passing vehicles. The video has sparked discussion about safety protocols and the need for greater protections for officers conducting roadside operations.

The details

According to New York State Police, the trooper was conducting a traffic stop on the Thruway in the early hours of March 15 when a 24-year-old driver crashed into the back of the trooper's cruiser. This caused the cruiser to hit the vehicle that had been pulled over, which then struck the trooper. The trooper and the driver of the vehicle that hit the cruiser were both transported to the hospital with minor injuries, while the person who was initially pulled over was unharmed.

  • The incident occurred in the early hours of March 15, 2026.

The players

New York State Police

The state law enforcement agency responsible for the trooper's actions and the investigation into the incident.

24-year-old driver

The individual who crashed into the back of the trooper's cruiser, causing the chain reaction collision.

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What’s next

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

The takeaway

This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks that law enforcement officers face during routine traffic stops, and the importance of enhanced safety protocols to protect officers conducting roadside operations.