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BUFFALO, Wyoming — A Wyoming trooper was injured when his parked car was hit from behind by a Utah driver Wednesday, investigators said.
Trooper Richard Burridge was sitting in his parked patrol car on Wyoming Highway 387 with his emergency lights on at the time of the accident, according to the Wyoming Highway Patrol. He was wrapping up the investigation of a previous crash scene and several slideoffs in the area, they said.
There were traffic cones in the southbound lane to direct traffic into the right lane while additional troopers and multiple tow trucks were assisting motorists, according to WHP. Investigators said all of the troopers and tow trucks had their overhead lights on. The highway had just re-opened at the time of the crash, investigators said.
Bagley was in the passing lane passing vehicles in his Ford F-150... when he drove through the traffic cones and plowed into the rear of Trooper Burridge's patrol car.
–WHP
"Traffic was moving at around 30-40 mph, which was too slow for 46-year-old Michael Bagley from Riverton, Utah," deputies wrote in a statement. "Bagley was in the passing lane passing vehicles in his Ford F-150 pickup at a speed estimated to be around 66 mph when he drove through the traffic cones and plowed into the rear of Trooper Burridge's patrol car."
Bagley was cited for careless driving, according to WHP. He was not injured in the accident.
Burridge was taken to Johnson County Memorial Hospital in Buffalo for treatment of minor injuries. He has since been released and is recovering at home, according to WHP.
Investigators said it is unclear whether the trooper's 2012 Dodge Charger can be repaired or whether it is a total loss.
WHP warned drivers to slow down to 20 mph when they see flashing lights on a two-lane highway or move over on a four-lane highway. Deputies said those who do not comply with the Wyoming law can receive a $220 citation.
