Suspect truck driver hits patrol vehicle during motorist assist

STERLING, Colo. — Sterling State Troopers announced a hit and run that likely totaled a state patrol vehicle on social media.

Around 9 a.m. Thursday, June 23rd State Trooper Joe Barco was on the eastbound median shoulder on I-76 near mile marker 111 with patrol lights on during a motorist assist.

Barco reported a passing motorist in a Dodge 2500 pick-up truck struck Barco’s vehicle while he was outside of the vehicle.

Barco reported moving himself and the motorist assist driver further into the median to avoid injury. Barco and the other individual were both clear of impact.

The suspect driver of the pick-up truck sustained possible serious bodily injuries.

Sterling Troop B3 asks citizens to put cell phones down, pull off the road to use them, and drive safe.