Minn. Trooper Hit By Vehicle For 2nd Time In Weeks
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Minnesota State Trooper Brian Bammert was hit last weekend for second time in a matter of weeks.
Bammert had stopped a teen for speeding Saturday night on I-94 in Minneapolis when a van slammed into the back of his squad. The squad then hit the car Bammert originally stopped.
"It's quite a shocking feeling. As much as you prepare for it mentally, and know it's a part of the job, there was a feeling of disbelief after it had happened," said the trooper who escaped with minor injuries.
When Bammert checked inside the van, he found the female driver unconscious and a baby in a child's car seat.
The crash happened barely five weeks after Bammert had to jump into the air to avoid getting hit on I-394 and Penn Avenue in Minneapolis when he was helping drivers in a snowstorm.
"I think my shin caught somewhere near the front driver headlight and I hit the windshield and went up over the car," said Bammert.
Crashes like these have prompted State Patrol supervisors to reinforce safety messages to the public and to troopers who know every stop they make can take a dangerous turn.
"We are reminding troopers to use all safety precautions possible when they are handling crashes and stopping vehicles," said Lt. Eric Roeske.
"I take some comfort in knowing that there was little if anything I could have done to make the situation safer than I already had," said Bammert. "We accept that these types of things can happen but there's still a job to be done."
Bammert is set to return to patrol duty Wednesday afternoon.
Since Nov. 1, 36 State Patrol Troopers have been hit. That compares to 14 during the same time period last year.
