A Colorado State Patrol Trooper narrowly missed being critically injured or killed on a traffic stop after a second vehicle crashed into the car he had stopped.

On February 15th, 2022, at approximately 11:34 AM, CSP Master Trooper Travis Hood stopped a 2010 Kia sedan on northbound Interstate 25 near 58th Ave. for a speeding violation. The vehicle pulled over onto the large shoulder to the left of the HOV lane. Master Trooper Hood made contact and returned to his motorcycle to write a citation. Moments later a 2008 Dodge minivan struck the rear of the Kia, pushing it forward and causing a closure of the left lane. Master Trooper Hood immediately called for assistance and ran to the vehicles to check injuries and render aid as needed.

The driver of the Kia, a 34-year-old male from Denver, sustained moderate injuries and was transported from the scene. The Dodge driver, a 20-year-old female from Avondale, sustained minor injuries and was medically checked at the scene; there were two additional passengers in the Dodge, one of whom sustained moderate injuries. The Dodge driver was issued a citation for careless driving causing injury.

Colorado “Move Over” law states that any driver approaching a stationary emergency, tow, or maintenance vehicle that has their lights flashing/illuminated MUST move over at least one lane away, or if unable to safely move over, reduce their speed by at least 20 MPH under the speed limit.