New York State Trooper Injured After Drunk Driver Hits Him on Thruway

A New York State trooper was injured Thursday night after being struck by a pickup truck while assisting a stranded driver on the I-90 exit ramp in West Seneca.

State Police said the crash happened around 10pm where the trooper had stopped to help a disabled motorist. As the trooper stood outside his patrol car, a 2020 Ford pickup driven by James J. Stumpf, 34, of Buffalo, came onto the ramp from Route 400 and veered off the left shoulder. The truck traveled into an embankment and hit the trooper.

The injured trooper was taken by ambulance to Erie County Medical Center where he received treatment and was later released.

Troopers said Stumpf was given field sobriety tests and a preliminary breath test at the scene, both of which showed signs of alcohol impairment. A follow-up breath test at the State Police barracks in Buffalo recorded a 0.06% blood alcohol content.

Investigators also had a State Police drug recognition expert examine Stumpf who observed indicators consistent with recent drug use.

Stumpf was charged with driving while ability impaired (DWAI), felony vehicular assault, and several traffic violations. He is scheduled to appear in West Seneca Town Court on February 17th.

The crash remains under investigation.

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New York State Trooper Injured After Drunk Driver Hits Him on Thruway