A New York State Trooper escaped injury Wednesday afternoon after a vehicle sideswiped his parked patrol car on Interstate 86 in Chemung County.
The incident occurred around 1:23 p.m. near Exit 54 (State Route 13/Ithaca) as the Trooper, assigned to SP Horseheads, stopped on the south shoulder of the eastbound lanes to remove large debris from the left passing lane of the highway.
According to State Police, while the Trooper was outside his marked patrol vehicle, a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica operated by 76-year-old Lynn Tolbert, lost control after making contact with another vehicle. The Pacifica then veered and sideswiped the parked police vehicle, causing property damage. Fortunately, the Trooper was not inside the vehicle at the time and was unharmed.
Tolbert suffered minor abrasions in the crash but declined medical treatment at the scene, authorities said.
The New York State Police is investigating the incident and reminded all drivers to remain vigilant and use caution when approaching emergency vehicles and highway personnel.
“Situations like this highlight the importance of New York’s Move Over Law,” a spokesperson said. “Lives depend on driver awareness and responsible action on our roads.”
No citations or charges have been announced as of Wednesday afternoon.
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