Overview
- Police say the trooper had stopped with emergency lights activated to remove a ladder blocking the left lane near the I-495 exit before returning to his cruiser and fastening his seatbelt.
- Moments later another vehicle struck the rear of the cruiser, and the trooper was transported to Portsmouth Regional Hospital in New Hampshire with serious injuries.
- The driver was identified as Josue Levi Cuevas Santana, 24, of Lawrence, and he was taken to Lawrence General Hospital.
- State police said Cuevas Santana faces charges of negligent operation, speeding, using a mobile device while driving, and failure to move over for an emergency vehicle.
- MassDOT crews cleared debris as three left lanes were closed, and officials said a full investigation will examine the driver's actions and the ladder that prompted the stop, with the State Police colonel noting the trooper's seatbelt likely reduced harm.