A Minnesota police officer was injured early Sunday morning after a pickup truck slammed into the back of his squad car while he was stopped on a highway shoulder.
Officer Jeffrey Mathiowetz of the Minnetonka Police Department had pulled over another driver shortly before 3 a.m. on northbound Highway 169 near Cedar Lake Road, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.
CBS News reported Mathiowetz was inside his squad vehicle when a pickup truck driven by a 61-year-old Ramsey man struck the car from behind. The impact pushed the squad vehicle into an occupied Kia K4.
The officer was taken to Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis for treatment. The extent of his injuries has not been released. The pickup driver was also injured and transported to the same hospital.
The Kia driver was not injured.
Crash Raises Concerns About Safety for Officers on the Roadside
The collision highlights the risks police officers face when working alongside busy roads, where stopped emergency vehicles can be vulnerable to passing traffic.
Minnesota law requires drivers approaching certain stopped emergency vehicles to move over when possible. If moving over is not possible, drivers must slow down and proceed with caution.
The Minnetonka Police Department reminded drivers of the law following the crash, urging motorists to move over whenever they see an emergency vehicle on the side of the road.
The Minnesota State Patrol is investigating the collision. The pickup driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
Community Members Share Prayers for Injured Officer
News of the crash also prompted messages of support on Facebook, with commenters expressing concern for Mathiowetz and hoping he makes a full recovery.
One person urged the officer to stay safe and said they were praying for him, while another said they hoped he would recover quickly.
For one commenter, the incident carried a particularly personal meaning. They said having a father who worked as a police officer had made roadside crashes involving police one of their biggest fears.
Others echoed calls for drivers to remain vigilant around emergency vehicles and expressed concern for everyone involved in the collision.
For Police Families, Roadside Crashes Can Be a Constant Fear
For families of police officers, seeing a loved one work alongside moving traffic can be a source of constant worry. One commenter said having a father who worked as a police officer made crashes involving roadside officers one of their biggest fears.
The collision is also a reminder for drivers to stay alert when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle. Taking extra care, reducing speed and moving over when it is safe can give officers more space to work and potentially prevent another roadside crash.
Minnesota’s Move Over Law is designed to help protect emergency workers and other people stopped along the road. Drivers are urged to remain attentive and give roadside vehicles as much room as safely possible.