Pine Island, MN (March 15, 2026) – A Rochester man was critically hurt after a crash involving a parked law enforcement SUV along Highway 52 near Pine Island.
According to a crash report, the incident happened around 4:10 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, along the southbound lanes of Hwy 52 just south of the Main St exit in Pine Island. A Goodhue County Sheriff’s Office SUV was parked on the shoulder when it was struck by a car traveling south.
Emergency units responded to the scene and requested air transport for the driver. The driver, identified as 31-year-old Anthony Vruno of Rochester, was flown to St. Mary’s Hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The deputy inside the parked SUV was also hurt in the crash. Authorities identified him as 29-year-old Kainen Whitehead of Kenyon. He was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital for treatment of injuries described as non-life-threatening.
Officials indicated alcohol may have been a factor in the crash, although additional details about the circumstances were not immediately available. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. Our thoughts are with those affected as they continue to recover.
Why Parked Vehicles on Highway Shoulders Can Be Dangerous
Vehicles stopped along highway shoulders can still face a serious risk from passing traffic. High-speed roads such as major highways leave little room for error if a driver drifts out of their lane or loses control.
Law enforcement vehicles, tow trucks, and disabled cars often stop along the shoulders during traffic stops, emergencies, or breakdowns. Even with emergency lights active, passing drivers may not always react quickly enough, especially in heavy traffic or poor conditions.
Several factors can lead to crashes involving parked vehicles. Driver distraction, fatigue, or impaired driving can reduce reaction time and make it harder to stay within a travel lane. High speeds on open highways can also increase the severity of collisions when vehicles leave the roadway.
Because of these risks, traffic safety experts encourage drivers to remain alert on highways and give extra space to vehicles stopped along the shoulder whenever possible.
