COLONIE, N.Y. (NEWS10)– State Police are investigating a crash in Colonie near Exit 7 of the Northway where a New York State Trooper and tow truck driver were hit by a passing vehicle. New York State Police said the Trooper sustained severe injuries and is still being evaluated at Albany Medical Center. The tow truck driver sustained minor injuries.
Around 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, 511 reported that two right lanes of the Northway were closed due to a crash with injuries. State Police confirmed the crash with injuries to NEWS10 and that the Trooper was outside of their marked patrol vehicle conducting a traffic stop for a car needing to be towed.
When loading the car on the tow truck, the Trooper and tow truck driver were outside their vehicles when a passing pick-up truck hit them. Troopers said the pick-up driver and multiple witnesses called 911 after the crash, and the pick-up truck driver is in custody.
The New York State Troopers PBA released a statement Saturday evening saying they are deeply shocked by the incident. According to the PBA, it’s the second time a Trooper has been hit in less than a week, and they said the recklessness of the incident is unforgivable.