Rootstown, OH (January 16, 2026) – An Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper sustained minor injuries Thursday morning after being struck by a vehicle while investigating a prior crash along Interstate 76 westbound near mile marker 39 in Rootstown Township.
The incident occurred just after 10:00 a.m. during hazardous winter driving conditions. According to officials, the trooper was seated inside his cruiser with emergency lights activated, parked safely on the right berm and out of all active traffic lanes. He was handling a separate traffic accident that had been reported around 9:20 a.m.
Troopers say the driver of another vehicle, traveling westbound in the right lane, lost control in the snowy conditions. The car veered off the roadway, hit a guardrail, and then collided with the trooper’s cruiser.
The trooper was transported to a nearby hospital with minor injuries. No additional injuries were reported in the secondary crash.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating the incident and reminding motorists to use extra caution, reduce speed, and move over for emergency vehicles—especially during winter weather.
We send our support to the injured trooper and wish him a swift and full recovery.
