An Indiana State Police Sergeant’s vehicle was struck by a driver while the officer was conducting a traffic stop.

The collision happened just before 3 p.m. on Wednesday, June 1, on I-80, eastbound, near the 10 mile-marker.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2007 Chrysler Town and Country, driven by a 40-year-old man from Lake Station was traveling eastbound when, for an unknown reason, the Chrysler ran off the left side of the road and struck the barrier wall. The Chrysler then continued back into the lanes of travel and struck a 2021 Nissan Altima driven by and Oregon man. The Nissan lost control and came to rest on the left shoulder facing westbound.

As the State Police Sgt. was finishing the traffic stop and returning to his vehicle, he noticed the Chrysler coming toward him. The officer was able to jump over the concrete barrier before his vehicle was struck. After striking the vehicle, the Chrysler came to a stop in the right lane and was struck by a 2018 Chevrolet Cruze, driven by a Chicago woman.

The police Sgt. and the Chicago woman were taken to a Lake County area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

This crash is still under investigation. It is believed that impairment is a contributing factor to the crash, however troopers are awaiting toxicology results. Once the investigation is complete, it will be turned over to the Lake County Prosecutor for review and determination of charges, if any, to be filed.