WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah — A Utah Highway Patrol trooper and three other people were injured in an early morning crash on Interstate 215.
The trooper had pulled over to investigate a report of a pedestrian hit on the west belt of the interstate near 2800 South just before 5:30 a.m. Sunday.
While the trooper was still in his patrol car and parked behind an abandoned car, he was hit from behind.
“He got hit. He had no idea it was coming,” said Lt. Nick Swallow with Utah Highway Patrol. “He was able to get outside of his vehicle and jump over the barrier to put himself in a safer position.”
The trooper is expected to make a full recovery.
The driver of the vehicle that hit the trooper and then hit the abandoned car suffered critical injuries and was airlifted to a hospital. Two passengers in the vehicle were also injured.
Investigators believe the driver was likely under the influence.
“If you are going to drink alcohol, have plans ahead to have a ride home — Uber, friends, whatever,” Swallow said. “It’s not worth it to drink and drive. Not only are you putting your life in jeopardy, but the lives of others as well.”
UHP believes the person involved in the original report of a pedestrian on the interstate was picked up by someone and left the scene before this crash occurred.
West Valley City PD is investigating the crash.
