An Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) trooper was struck by a vehicle while conducting a rolling roadblock on Interstate 35 near mile marker 3 on March 25. The incident occurred while construction crews were working ahead, and authorities have released details about the events, including the potential condition of the driver involved.
Key Details at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | March 25 |
| Troopers Involved | Joshua Harrington and Dustin Atnip |
| Incident Location | Interstate 35, mile marker 3, northbound lanes |
| Incident Type | Vehicle strikes patrol vehicle during rolling roadblock |
| Driver Condition | Driver has a neurological condition |
| Outcome | Both trooper and driver evaluated on-site and expected to be okay |
| Public Reminder | Driver abilities can be reported through a driver review process |
Details of the Incident
On March 25, Trooper Joshua Harrington and Trooper Dustin Atnip were conducting a rolling roadblock to slow traffic in the northbound lanes of Interstate 35 near mile marker 3. The roadblock was in place to protect construction crews working in the area.
While the troopers were driving at approximately 5 miles per hour, a truck reportedly drove through the roadblock and sideswiped Trooper Harrington’s patrol vehicle at highway speeds.
Both the trooper and the driver were immediately evaluated by emergency medical services (EMS) at the scene, and fortunately, both individuals are expected to be okay.
Driver’s Condition and Possible Cause
Officials later revealed that the driver involved in the incident has a neurological condition and may not have been fit to operate a vehicle. This could have contributed to the driver’s inability to navigate safely through the roadblock.
The OHP reminded the public that concerns about a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle can be reported through the driver review request process, a system that allows for official evaluations.
Public Safety Reminder
OHP shared the video of the incident on their social media platforms as a reminder of the importance of public safety around roadblocks and construction zones.
They emphasized that drivers must remain cautious and obey road closures, especially when emergency services or law enforcement are on the scene.
The incident involving Trooper Harrington highlights the dangers that law enforcement officers face while conducting roadblocks and directing traffic, especially in high-speed areas like highways. Thankfully, the trooper and the driver are expected to recover.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol continues to encourage the public to report concerns about unsafe drivers to ensure safer roads for everyone.
