Colorado trooper struck and injured while responding to crash

Trooper's vehicle rear-ended during traffic stop

A Colorado State Patrol trooper was injured Saturday morning when his vehicle was rear-ended while he was stopped on the side of Highway 115 investigating a crash.

The trooper, who has not been identified, was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries, but they are not considered life-threatening.

The driver of the vehicle that struck the trooper's vehicle, 54-year-old Richard Lee of Colorado Springs, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Trooper was assisting with fatal crash

The trooper was assisting with a fatal crash that occurred on Highway 115 near Peyton at about 11:30 p.m. Friday.

According to the Colorado State Patrol, a 2005 Ford Mustang was traveling southbound on Highway 115 when it crossed the centerline and struck a 2016 Toyota Tacoma head-on.

The driver of the Mustang, 23-year-old Christopher Allen of Aurora, was killed in the crash. The driver of the Tacoma, a 35-year-old man from Colorado Springs, was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries.

Impaired driving is a major problem in Colorado

Impaired driving is a major problem in Colorado. In 2020, there were 1,337 alcohol-related traffic fatalities in the state.

The Colorado State Patrol is urging drivers to make responsible choices and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

If you are caught driving under the influence, you could face serious consequences, including fines, jail time, and the loss of your license.