State trooper, tow truck driver hit by passing pickup truck on Northway in Colonie

A state trooper and tow truck driver were both hit by a passing pickup truck. The trooper was severely hurt. The tow truck driver has minor injuries, police said.

It happened around 12:30 Saturday afternoon, during a traffic stop on the Northway southbound near Exit 6 and Exit 7 in Colonie, investigators said.

A vehicle was being loaded onto a tow truck due to traffic violations, when the tow truck driver and the trooper were hit, investigators said.

The driver of the pickup truck stopped, and is currently in State Police custody. Several witnesses called 911, investigators said. Arraignment was expected later on Saturday, investigators said.

Anyone who saw the crash is asked to call state police at 518-457-6811 or email michael.altieri@troopers.ny.gov.

The New York State Troopers PBA released this statement:

“We are deeply dismayed that, for the second time in less a week, one of our brothers has been seriously injured while on the job in connection with a vehicle-related incident.

“Yet again, this underscores the inherent danger of our profession and the incredible bravery of all troopers, who potentially put their lives on the line daily while working to keep New Yorkers safe. The recklessness shown in this incident is unforgivable. Incidents like this can easily turn deadly, and we’re incredibly thankful that did not occur here.

“The PBA will continue to support the trooper who was injured in Colonie, as we do all of our members who are harmed in the line of duty, and hope for their speedy and full recoveries.”