On June 11, 2025, at approximately 1:23 p.m., a Trooper SP Horseheads was operating a marked New York State Police vehicle on Interstate 86 eastbound near Exit 54 (State Route 13/Ithaca), in the town of Horseheads, Chemung County.
The Trooper parked on the south shoulder and exited his patrol vehicle to remove large debris from the left passing lane of the highway. While he was outside the vehicle, an eastbound 2018 Chrysler Pacifica, operated by Lynn M. Tolbert, age 76, lost control after striking another vehicle. The Pacifica then sideswiped the parked Troop vehicle, causing property damage.
The Trooper was not in the patrol vehicle at the time of the collision and was uninjured. The operator of the Pacifica sustained minor abrasions and declined medical treatment at the scene.
The New York State Police reminds all motorists to remain alert and use caution when approaching emergency vehicles and highway workers.
