Curry County, Ore. – Oregon State Police say that an OSP trooper has been injured after being struck by an impaired driver while assisting a disabled vehicle around 12:30 am on Wednesday. The accident occurred on Highway 101, five miles north of Brookings.
According to officers, OSP Trooper Dean Trent was attempting to assist a truck and trailer traveling northbound that had become disabled on an uphill grade. Trent positioned his patrol car behind the truck and activated his lights to divert traffic around the hazard. He then exited the vehicle to assist the truck driver.
Police say that when Trent returned to the patrol car, he seated himself and noticed a vehicle approaching from behind at a high rate of speed. The vehicle did not attempt to slow or move into the fast lane, and eventually rear-ended the patrol car.
OSP says that Trent had been wearing his seat belt at the time of the impact. He received a head injury and was taken to Curry General Hospital where he was treated and released.
According to police, the driver that struck the trooper has been identified as 24-year-old Jordan M. Laddusaw, of Kalama, Washington. He was taken into custody and charged with driving under the influence, reckless driving, reckless endangering of another person, and assault 3.
Officers say alcohol and speed are being considered as contributing to the crash.
© 2024 KOBI-TV NBC5. All rights reserved unless otherwise stated.