SOUTHINGTON, Conn. — A Connecticut state trooper was killed Thursday after getting hit by a car while making a traffic stop on an interstate highway, officials said.
Connecticut State Police said Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier was fatally struck by a passing vehicle as he was outside his cruiser making a traffic stop on I-84 in Southington around 2:36 p.m. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the vehicle initially “evaded the scene,” according to a news release, but was found and taken into custody shortly after the incident.
Pelletier served in the Connecticut State Police for nine years. The agency said he “served the citizens of the state of Connecticut with an unwavering sense of dedication, pride and professionalism, and his sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont ordered state and U.S. flags to be lowered to half-staff following the death.
A tragic incident occurred on a busy highway when a state trooper was fatally injured in a car accident while conducting a routine traffic stop. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face every day while serving and protecting their communities.
The state trooper, whose name has not been released pending notification of family members, was in the process of pulling over a vehicle for a traffic violation when another car struck him from behind. The impact of the collision caused severe injuries to the trooper, who was rushed to a nearby hospital but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.
The driver of the vehicle that struck the trooper has been identified as a 35-year-old male who was reportedly driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident. He has been arrested and is facing charges of vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence.
This tragic incident highlights the dangers that law enforcement officers face while carrying out their duties on the road. Traffic stops are one of the most common and routine tasks that police officers and state troopers perform, but they can also be one of the most dangerous. Officers are exposed to the risk of being struck by passing vehicles, especially on busy highways where traffic is moving at high speeds.
In response to this incident, law enforcement agencies are reminding drivers to slow down and move over when they see emergency vehicles on the side of the road. Many states have “Move Over” laws in place that require drivers to change lanes or slow down when passing emergency vehicles with their lights flashing. These laws are designed to protect the safety of first responders and prevent accidents like the one that claimed the life of the state trooper.
The loss of a dedicated and brave officer is a tragedy that affects not only his family and colleagues but also the entire community. State troopers and police officers put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe, and incidents like this serve as a stark reminder of the risks they face. It is important for all drivers to be mindful of their surroundings and obey traffic laws to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.
As we mourn the loss of the state trooper who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, let us also remember to honor and respect the men and women who serve and protect our communities every day. Their dedication and bravery deserve our gratitude and support, and we must do our part to ensure their safety as they work tirelessly to keep us safe.
