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Milwaukee County, WI (July 31, 2026) – A Milwaukee County deputy was injured when a driver struck his patrol vehicle while he and his K-9 partner were helping block a lane at a separate crash on Interstate 41 on Wednesday, July 29.
The patrol vehicle had been positioned to protect that scene when another driver struck it, officials said. Deputy Mindel was injured in the collision, while K-9 Ryker was evaluated and later released to recover at home.
Details about the driver who struck the patrol vehicle, including whether impairment was a factor, were not released. No further updates have been released.
We hope for a full recovery for Deputy Mindel and K-9 Ryker.
Why Do “Move Over” Laws Exist?
Every state has some version of a “Move Over” law, requiring drivers to change lanes or slow down when passing a stopped emergency vehicle with its lights activated. These laws were created because first responders working roadside are especially vulnerable, standing or working just a few feet from live traffic.
Being struck while assisting at another emergency is one of the more dangerous parts of the job for police officers, tow operators, and highway workers. A vehicle already stopped to help with one incident offers very little protection if a passing driver doesn’t notice it in time, especially at highway speeds.
Distraction, speeding, and simply failing to notice flashing lights are among the most common reasons drivers violate these laws, even when they aren’t trying to. Slowing down and changing lanes when possible, even for just a few seconds, gives responders a much wider safety margin while they work.
