Virginia State Police trooper seriously injured while assisting motorist

PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) -- A Virginia State Police trooper was seriously injured when a patrol vehicle was struck by a vehicle on U.S. Highway 29 in Pittsylvania County Saturday afternoon.

The incident occurred just after 2 p.m. as two troopers were assisting a disabled tractor-trailer on the southbound side of the highway. An investigation revealed a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser, driven by Raul Jesus Salas, collided with the rear patrol vehicle, which then struck one of the troopers and the second patrol vehicle, according to state police.

The injured trooper was transported by helicopter to Roanoke Memorial Hospital with serious injuries. The second trooper was not injured in the incident.

Both patrol vehicles had their emergency lights activated and were partially positioned in the right travel lane to protect the disabled tractor-trailer.

Raul Jesus Salas, 74, of Gretna, was charged with reckless driving following the accident. The incident remains under investigation by authorities.