Indiana State Police trooper injured after patrol car struck on I-65 near 38th Street

Crash occurred while troopers were working to protect traffic at an earlier incident scene

An Indiana State Police trooper is recovering after a driver struck his marked patrol vehicle on Interstate 65 near the 38th Street area in Indianapolis on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Police said the trooper was transported to a local hospital and was treated for injuries that were described as non-life-threatening.

Investigators said the trooper was seated inside his patrol car at the time of the crash. The vehicle had been positioned to block a lane of traffic in an effort to create a buffer for another trooper who was working a separate crash in the roadway nearby.

Driver investigated for suspected impairment

Police said the driver who hit the patrol car is being investigated for operating while intoxicated. No final charging decision was announced at the time of the initial reports, and the investigation remained ongoing.

Authorities emphasized that the patrol car was being used as a protective barrier for a trooper working in the roadway when it was hit.

Part of a recent pattern of crashes into marked police vehicles

The collision on I-65 was reported as the fifth time since Saturday that an Indiana State Police patrol vehicle had been struck on an Indianapolis-area interstate. Police have repeatedly warned that emergency responders working on high-speed roadways remain vulnerable to drivers who fail to move over or slow down when approaching stopped emergency vehicles.

In a separate incident on Tuesday, police said another Indiana State Police patrol car was struck on I-465 southbound between I-70 and 16th Street on Indianapolis’ east side. In that case, the trooper was outside the vehicle responding to another crash when a vehicle hit the patrol car; police said the trooper was not injured.

What authorities are asking motorists to do

While the I-65 investigation continues, police reiterated standard guidance for driving near roadway incident scenes. Safety officials advise motorists to anticipate sudden slowdowns, watch for emergency lighting ahead, and avoid distractions.

• Slow down when approaching emergency lights or crash scenes.
• Move to an adjacent lane when it is safe and legal to do so.
• Maintain extra following distance and stay alert for responders on foot.

The trooper’s name was released as Klingkammer, and police said he was expected to recover. Authorities have not released additional details about the driver involved or whether toxicology results will be part of the case file.