State trooper hit by car on Northway released from hospital

A state trooper severely hurt when a car hit him earlier this month is out of the hospital.

Trooper Nicholas Abbondola was released from the hospital on Tuesday, State Police said.

Abbondola and a tow truck driver were removing a car after a traffic stop on the Northway in Colonie, when an impaired driver hit them both, police said.

The tow truck driver was quickly released from the hospital, but Abbondola had severe injuries and needed hours of surgery.

He still has a long road ahead before he can rejoin the force, State Police said. He will continue to recover at a rehab center.