Indiana State Trooper Seriously Injured After Being Hit by SUV While Assisting Stranded Driver
An Indiana State Police trooper is currently in serious but stable condition after being hit by an SUV while helping a stranded driver change a flat tire. The incident occurred on Saturday night on Interstate 65 in Indianapolis.
The trooper, identified as 22-year-old Azariah Keith, had just finished changing the stranded driver’s tire when the accident took place. Another trooper had blocked the left lane to provide a safe working environment for Keith, according to reports from WNDU.
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As Keith was packing up his equipment around 9:20 p.m., a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox driven by 22-year-old Armaandeep Singh swerved around the trooper blocking the lane. Singh allegedly lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a concrete median barrier before colliding with Keith and his police car.
Keith sustained critical injuries and was immediately transported to the hospital, where he is currently in serious but stable condition. Despite the severity of his injuries, Keith was awake, alert, and able to communicate with his family, according to ISP Sgt. John Perrine. It is expected that he will survive, as reported by WTHR.
Singh, the driver of the SUV, was arrested on preliminary charges of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated causing serious bodily injury. Reports indicate that his blood alcohol concentration level was measured at 0.16, which is twice the legal limit.
Authorities also believe that Singh was traveling at a high rate of speed prior to the crash. As a result of the incident, the southbound lanes of I-65 were closed for nearly three hours to allow for investigation and processing of the scene.
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The Indiana State Police are reminding drivers to always prioritize safety and follow the law, especially when encountering emergency personnel on the roadways. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers faced by those who work to keep our roads safe.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Trooper Azariah Keith as he recovers from his injuries, and we extend our gratitude to all law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line every day to protect and serve..
