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Trooper hit by car on I-465

Jun 30, 2008 | John Strauss | Indy Star News

An Indiana State Police trooper was injured Sunday in a chain-reaction crash as he changed a tire for a stranded motorist on the Westside.

Trooper Jeff Woodward had parked his patrol car behind a disabled 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue on the shoulder of southbound I-465 near Rockville Road about 6 a.m. He put his emergency lights on while he changed the car's tire.

Amber M. Harper, 19, Indianapolis, was driving her 1994 Buick LeSabre high speed when she tried to pass another vehicle and lost control, a State Police news release said. She crossed all lanes of traffic and hit Woodward's vehicle. The patrol car struck the Intrigue, which then hit Woodward.

Woodward's injuries were not life-threatening. Southbound lanes were closed for more than four hours while police investigated the crash.

Harper and the owner of the disabled vehicle escaped injury.

Woodward was treated at Methodist Hospital for injuries to his legs and back and was not in critical condition, State Police said.

Harper was cited for reckless driving, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, speeding, having an expired plate, having no driver's license with her, and unsafe lane movement.

Seven troopers and one motor carrier enforcement officer have been struck and killed while working along Indiana highways, a State Police news release said.

After Sunday's accident, Lt. Jay Nawrocki, commander of the Indianapolis post that includes Marion, Boone, Shelby and Johnson counties, issued a reminder that drivers are required by state law to move over or slow down below the speed limit when approaching an emergency vehicle that is stopped with its lights flashing.

The law also applies to highway work trucks and tow trucks.

"We will have troopers out on the roadways watching for this violation," Nawrocki said in the release. "We want the public to know we are taking a no-tolerance approach to enforcing this law."