A Minnesota State Patrol trooper was seriously injured Sunday when a Lexus slammed into his squad car during speed enforcement on Interstate 35 in Forest Lake. The Lexus driver also suffered serious injuries, and preliminary evidence indicates alcohol may have contributed to the crash.
The trooper was conducting stationary enforcement of northbound traffic when his squad was parked in the interstate median, according to the Pioneer Press. A man driving the Lexus struck the passenger side of the squad car, and each vehicle had a single male occupant.
Crash Shut Down I-35 In Both Directions
The collision happened around 5:35 p.m. just south of 220th Street, bringing traffic on both sides of I-35 to a standstill for several hours. The trooper and Lexus driver were taken by ambulance to Regions Hospital in St. Paul for treatment.
Alcohol Considered A Possible Factor
Forest Lake Police Chief Luke Hanegraaf said preliminary evidence points to alcohol as a contributing factor, though the investigation remains active. The Pioneer Press reported that Forest Lake police are holding both vehicles as investigators work to determine exactly how the crash unfolded.
Officials have not released additional details about the trooper’s condition or any potential enforcement action against the Lexus driver. The case remains under investigation.
