Overview
- Trooper Michael Pahira Jr. was conducting a commercial motor vehicle inspection on the southbound shoulder of I‑81 when a passing tractor‑trailer veered onto the shoulder, struck the patrol vehicle, hit the stopped truck and fatally dragged him on Wednesday.
- Pahira, 44, was a nearly 20‑year veteran assigned to Troop L in Frackville and was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead; Governor Josh Shapiro ordered flags flown at half‑staff.
- Public court records show 33‑year‑old Michael Bon of Brockton, Massachusetts, has been charged with homicide by vehicle, involuntary manslaughter and related counts and is being held on bail pending further proceedings.
- State police say they have not yet determined what caused the truck to leave the roadway and the crash remains under active investigation with both commercial vehicles burning and I‑81 southbound closed near Exits 124 and 119 during the response.
- Fellow troopers, unions and the local community held a procession and organized fundraisers to support Pahira’s family and to highlight roadside safety risks for officers; his death is the Pennsylvania State Police’s 106th line‑of‑duty fatality.