OMAHA, Neb. (KOLN) – The Nebraska State Patrol is actively investigating three separate crashes in which a parked NSP cruiser has been struck by a passing motorist.
For the third time this June, and the second time in less than a week, a Nebraska State Patrol cruiser has been struck by a vehicle on I-80 in Nebraska. This latest incident injured a trooper.
The crash happened on Monday around 8:30 p.m. when troopers were assisting the Omaha Police Department handle a single-vehicle crash on I-80 near the bridge that goes over 50th Street.
NSP said the initial crash was blocking the shoulder and one lane of traffic. Troopers on scene were assisting OPD by blocking the lane of traffic.
While the trooper’s unit was parked, with emergency lights activated, the driver of a box truck hit the cruiser. NSP said the trooper was sitting inside her cruiser at the time and was injured.
The trooper was transported to Bergan Mercy Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. As of Tuesday morning, she remains in the hospital.
Nebraska Department of Transportation Director Vicki Kramer said they have worked to pass new laws, educate people and bring attention to it, but it ultimately comes down to drivers taking responsibility for their own actions.