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.
<\/i> Updated: October 12, 2025 @ 7:36 am<\/small><\/p>\n
A Virginia State Police trooper was seriously injured Saturday afternoon in Pittsylvania County while assisting a disabled tractor-trailer.\u00a0
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.\u00a0
Both troopers, which haven\u2019t been identified, were outside of their vehicles when a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser heading south hit the rear patrol vehicle.\u00a0
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.\u00a0
The injured trooper was taken by helicopter to Roanoke Memorial Hospital with serious injuries. The second trooper wasn\u2019t hurt.\u00a0
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.\u00a0
The driver of the Chrysler, Raul Jesus Salas, 74, of Gretna, was charged with reckless driving.\u00a0
The injured trooper\u2019s name hasn\u2019t been released as the incident remains under investigation.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
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