On November 13, 2024, a Colorado State Patrol trooper was injured when his patrol vehicle was struck by another car while investigating a previous crash.
The incident took place on Highway 115, south of Colorado Springs.
The driver who caused the collision is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and the crash has raised concerns about the safety of law enforcement on the roads.
Incident Overview: Trooper Struck on Highway 115
When Trooper Tyler Atkins was struck by another vehicle, he was working from the interior of his marked patrol car at the site of an earlier accident.
The collision happened around 3:44 p.m. on November 13, 2024, at the intersection of Highway 115 and Little Turkey Creek Road in El Paso County.
The patrol car, which was heavily damaged, was hit from behind by a sedan.
The crash caused a disruption in traffic as Highway 115 was closed for several hours while authorities investigated the scene.
Thankfully, Trooper Atkins was not seriously injured at the time but was airlifted to the hospital as a precaution. He has since been released and is recovering at home.
Suspected DUI Driver Causes Crash
The driver who struck Trooper Atkins' patrol vehicle is suspected of driving under the influence (DUI) at the time of the crash.
Authorities confirmed that the driver stayed at the scene and was taken to a hospital by ambulance.
No other injuries were reported, and the identity of the driver has not been made public.
The crash is under investigation by the Colorado State Patrol's Vehicular Crimes Unit.
It serves as a reminder of the risks that intoxicated drivers bring to everyone on the road, including law enforcement officials who fight to keep highways safe.
Trooper's Condition and Recovery
Trooper Atkins was taken to a neighboring hospital following the crash, but he was discharged a few hours later and is now healing at home.
The Colorado State Patrol reports that his injuries are not life-threatening and that he will likely fully recover.
He has received tremendous support from his coworkers and the community.
Despite the trooper’s recovery, the crash remains under investigation.
The Colorado State Patrol’s Vehicular Crimes Unit is working to determine the cause of the incident and any charges that may be filed against the driver who struck the patrol car.
Increased Danger for Law Enforcement on the Roads
This crash comes just one week after Officer Evan Dunn from the Golden Police Department was struck and killed by a suspected DUI driver.
Officer Dunn’s death highlighted the increasing danger for law enforcement officers on the job.
This is the second patrol car hit by a driver in November 2024, with a total of 11 such incidents reported this year alone.
Colorado State Patrol is urging drivers to remain alert and sober while driving.
They emphasize that it is each driver’s responsibility to keep roads safe, not just for themselves, but for officers and other drivers as well.
