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PEABODY, Mass. — The State Police Association of Massachusetts (SPAM) is recognizing the bravery and professionalism of a Massachusetts State Trooper who helped prevent a potentially deadly wrong-way driver incident early Sunday morning in Peabody.
According to SPAM, the incident unfolded shortly before 2:00 a.m. when a Trooper assigned to the Danvers Barracks observed a vehicle traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of Route 1. Realizing the immediate danger posed to motorists, the Trooper quickly alerted the barracks and other responding patrol units.
Authorities said troopers coordinated efforts to stop additional vehicles from entering the affected section of roadway while working to safely intercept the wrong-way driver before a larger tragedy could occur.
During the response, the wrong-way vehicle collided with a marked Massachusetts State Police cruiser occupied by one of the responding Troopers.
SPAM noted that the injured Trooper was a member of the 88th Recruit Training Troop and a classmate of Trooper Kevin Trainor, who was tragically killed earlier this month after being struck by a wrong-way driver while serving the Commonwealth.
Despite the known dangers associated with such incidents, the Trooper responded without hesitation.
“Fully aware of the dangers such incidents present, the Trooper responded with unwavering courage, professionalism, and selflessness, placing himself in harm’s way to protect others,” the association said in a statement.
Following the collision, both the Trooper and the driver of the wrong-way vehicle were transported to a local hospital. Authorities reported that both sustained non-life-threatening injuries and received treatment.
The driver was identified as a 41-year-old man from Newburyport. He has since been charged with:
- Operating Under the Influence of Liquor
- Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle
- Operating a Motor Vehicle the Wrong Way on a State Highway
The State Police Association expressed gratitude that the incident did not result in fatalities and praised the actions of the responding officers.
“We are grateful that this incident did not result in a more tragic outcome and extend our wishes for a full and speedy recovery to our injured Trooper,” the association stated.
SPAM further emphasized that the Trooper’s actions reflect the dedication and sacrifice demonstrated daily by members of the Massachusetts State Police.
“His actions exemplify the commitment, bravery, and sacrifice demonstrated every day by the men and women of the Massachusetts State Police in service to the Commonwealth.”
The incident serves as another reminder of the serious dangers posed by impaired and wrong-way drivers, as well as the risks law enforcement officers face while working to protect the public on Massachusetts roadways.
