Indiana State Police Trooper Hospitalized After Being Struck by SUV While Assisting Stranded Driver
An Indiana State Police trooper is in serious condition after being hit by an SUV on Saturday night while helping a stranded driver change a flat tire. The incident occurred on Interstate 65 in Indianapolis, according to reports from WNDU.
The trooper, identified as 22-year-old Azariah Keith, had just finished changing the driver’s tire when the incident took place. Another trooper was blocking the left lane to provide a safe working area for Keith.
You may also like to watch : Who Is Kamala Harris? Biography - Parents - Husband - Sister - Career - Indian - Jamaican Heritage
As Keith was loading his equipment back into his car around 9:20 p.m., a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox swerved around the trooper blocking the lane. The driver, 22-year-old Armaandeep Singh, allegedly lost control of the vehicle, crashing into a concrete median barrier before colliding with Keith and his police car.
Keith sustained critical injuries and was immediately transported to the hospital. Currently, he is in serious but stable condition and is expected to survive. Despite the severity of his injuries, Keith was awake, alert, and speaking with his family, as confirmed by ISP Sgt. John Perrine.
Singh, the driver of the SUV, was subsequently arrested on preliminary charges of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated causing serious bodily injury. According to reports from WTHR, Singh’s blood alcohol concentration level was measured at 0.16, which is twice the legal limit. Police also suspect that he was driving at a high rate of speed prior to the crash.
Following the incident, the southbound lanes of I-65 were closed for nearly three hours while authorities processed the scene. The investigation is ongoing.
You may also like to watch: Is US-NATO Prepared For A Potential Nuclear War With Russia - China And North Korea?
This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers while carrying out their duties. The Indiana State Police and other law enforcement agencies continue to stress the importance of obeying traffic laws and exercising caution when encountering emergency personnel on the road.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Trooper Azariah Keith and his family as he recovers from his injuries..
