A few showers this morning with overcast skies during the afternoon hours. High 64F. Winds NNE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%..
Overcast. Low around 55F. Winds NNE at 10 to 20 mph.
Updated: October 12, 2025 @ 7:36 am
A Virginia State Police trooper was seriously injured Saturday afternoon in Pittsylvania County while assisting a disabled tractor-trailer.
According to a press release issued by Virginia State Police Sgt. Richard C. Garletts, two troopers assigned to Pittsylvania County were helping a disabled big rig shortly after 2 p.m. on the southbound side of U.S. 29.
Both troopers, which haven’t been identified, were outside of their vehicles when a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser heading south hit the rear patrol vehicle.
From there, the rear patrol vehicle hit one of the troopers which caused a chain reaction that resulted in the rear patrol vehicle striking the second.
The injured trooper was taken by helicopter to Roanoke Memorial Hospital with serious injuries. The second trooper wasn’t hurt.
Garletts said both patrol vehicles had their emergency lights on at the time of the accident. The patrol vehicles were parked partially in the right travel lane to protect the disabled tractor trailer.
The driver of the Chrysler, Raul Jesus Salas, 74, of Gretna, was charged with reckless driving.
The injured trooper’s name hasn’t been released as the incident remains under investigation.
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