Suspected DUI driver strikes Colorado State Patrol car, seriously injures trooper

The Colorado State Patrol says one of their troopers who was investigating a crash in southern Colorado was seriously injured when the patrol car he was in was struck by another vehicle.

It happened on Wednesday afternoon south of Colorado Springs. The driver who CSP says caused the collision was also hurt and is suspected of driving under the influence.  

The initial crash that was under investigation happened at the intersection of Little Turkey Creek Road and Highway 115 in El Paso County.

The trooper was in a marked SUV at that scene when suddenly it was struck by a sedan. Both cars were heavily damaged.

After the collision, the injured trooper was taken by a medical helicopter to a hospital and a few hours later he was released and back at home recovering. The other driver was taken to the hospital in an ambulance. That person has not been identified.

CSP said the trooper's name is Tyler Atkins.

Highway 115 was closed in the area while an investigation at the crash scene took place.

A total of 11 CSP vehicles have been struck by drivers this year, according to the agency.

Wednesday's crash happened on the same day in Colorado that Officer Evan Dunn from the Golden Police Department was laid to rest. He was outside of his vehicle last week and investigating a crash when a driver who was suspected of driving under the influence slammed into a vehicle that hit two other vehicles. One of those struck Dunn and killed him.