Eighth Trooper Struck This Year While Working Crash On 80
On Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at approximately 11:16 PM, Indiana State Trooper Riley Hieb was stationary on I-80 eastbound at the 11.3 mile-marker (near I-65) and was seated in his commission providing traffic direction in the left lane with his emergency lights activated working a crash scene, according to Sgt. Glen Fifield.
A 2010 Chevrolet HHR, driven by Jose Huizar-Hernandez, 67, from Lake Station, IN failed to yield to the stationary emergency vehicle and rear ended the police car, Fifield stated. Trp. Hieb and Mr. Huizar-Hernandez were transported to Northlake Methodist Hospital by Gary EMS for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash.
This is the eighth time this year that a Lowell Trooper has been struck by a vehicle while their emergency lights have been activated. Lt. Gose, Commander of the Lowell Post, expressed concern about this trend. “Please remember to slow down and/or change lanes when you see emergency lighting. The safety of our troopers and the public is of utmost concern. Just one of these crashes is unacceptable, let alone eight.”
