Indiana State Police cruiser hit sixth time in five days amid hazardous Indianapolis-area winter driving conditions

Six marked ISP vehicles struck as troopers work multiple crash scenes

An Indiana State Police (ISP) patrol vehicle was struck for the sixth time in five days on Indianapolis-area interstates, as troopers continued responding to a surge of crashes during ongoing winter weather. The latest collision occurred Thursday on eastbound I-70 near the 60-mile marker west of Plainfield, while an ISP trooper was investigating a rollover crash.

Police said another vehicle lost control on the icy roadway and hit the marked patrol car from behind. The trooper and the other driver were taken to local hospitals with injuries described as non-life-threatening.

Pattern of strikes while troopers block lanes to protect motorists

The repeated collisions have occurred as troopers position cruisers—with emergency lights activated—to shield crash scenes, stranded motorists, and emergency responders from traffic on high-speed roadways. Investigators have described multiple incidents where a patrol car was struck while parked or while blocking a lane during an active response.

On Wednesday, an ISP trooper was inside a patrol vehicle on I-65 near 38th Street when it was hit while protecting another trooper working a crash in the roadway. The driver who struck the vehicle was reported to be under investigation for operating while intoxicated.

On Tuesday, a trooper was outside his patrol car on I-465 southbound between I-70 and 16th Street while handling another incident when a vehicle struck the marked unit. The trooper was not injured in that crash.

Crash volume rises during the storm response

Over the same period, ISP’s Indianapolis District reported responding to hundreds of weather-related calls, including a large number of crashes and slide-offs, as well as numerous motorist assists. The district’s coverage includes Marion, Hancock, Hamilton, Boone, Hendricks, Johnson and Shelby counties.

What drivers are required to do near emergency vehicles

Indiana law requires drivers approaching stationary emergency vehicles displaying flashing lights to move over when possible and proceed with due caution. When changing lanes cannot be done safely, drivers must slow down and maintain a safe speed while passing.

• Slow down early when approaching lights on the shoulder or in a lane of travel.
• Move over if traffic conditions allow a safe lane change.
• Avoid sudden braking or steering on icy pavement; increase following distance.
• Stay alert for secondary crashes near the initial collision scene.

The series of crashes underscores the elevated risk to first responders working on active interstates, particularly during snow and ice events that increase stopping distances and reduce vehicle control.

Investigations into the most recent collisions remained ongoing as of Thursday, including determinations on contributing factors such as impairment, speed, and roadway conditions.