State Patrol: Semi Hits Squads In Rogers, No Serious Injuries
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The first winter storm in the Twin Cities caused more than 100 accidents on Monday, and even police squad cars were involved in at least one crash.
The Minnesota State Patrol says there were no serious injuries after multiple squad cars were hit by a semi-truck in Rogers late Monday night.
The accident happened just after 11 p.m. at Interstate 94 and eastbound Highway 101. Authorities say squads were assisting a jackknifed semi-truck on icy roads when another semi struck them.
One Rogers officer was taken to a hospital with minor injuries. He was later identified as Jared Peters, who has been with the department for two years. He is expected to be OK.
There were no other serious injuries associated with the crash. The truck driver was from out of state.
The Rogers Police Chief said it was a miracle no one was seriously hurt, and the incident serves as a reminder for everyone on the roads to be cautious around emergency vehicles.
"It's Minnesota and it's winter and it's our first snow, so slow down," Chief Jeff Beahen said. "The general rule for driving is you have to be in control of your vehicle. You have to be able to stop that vehicle. ... This is a great illustration that you're driving too fast for conditions."
Beahen also said that the SUV squads have more protection for rear end collisions. The majority of crashes with police cars are from behind, making traffic stops the most dangerous situations most law enforcement officers face each year.
The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office is investigating the crash.
