TheTrucker.com

Virginia deputy’s cruiser struck by hit-and-run big rig along I-81

Reading Time: 2 minutes
Virginia deputy’s cruiser struck by hit-and-run big rig along I-81
Police are searching for the driver of an 18-wheeler who struck this police cruiser, driven by an Augusta County, Virginia, sheriff's deputy, on Aug. 6, 2023, along Interstate 81. (Courtesy: Augusta County Sheriff's Office)

AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. — Virginia authorities are searching for the driver of an 18-wheeler that rear-ended an Augusta County deputy sheriff’s cruiser along Interstate 81.

According to a Facebook post from the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office, the deputy was driving normally and not responding to any call when the tractor-trailer struck his cruiser from behind at 9:48 p.m. on Aug. 6.

“The initial severe impact drove the deputies marked Ford Explorer approximately 100 feet down the interstate and into a VDOT (Virginia Department of Transportation) work truck, striking the energy-absorbing bumper on the VDOT truck, and spinning the deputy’s cruiser around,” according to the Facebook post.

The big rig didn’t stop and continued along I-81 north, authorities said.

365712004 681123860712503 6802487522129050053 n
An Augusta County Sheriff’s Deputy was injured after an 18-wheeler struck their patrol unit from behind on Interstate 81. Police say the big rig driver fled the scene. (Courtesy: Augusta County Sheriff’s Office)

“Fortunately, the VDOT workers who were present in the work zone and witnessed the incident were not injured. The VDOT workers assisted the deputy, who was injured and unable to radio for help due to the severe damage to his patrol unit,” the Facebook post stated.

The deputy was transported to Augusta Health, where he was treated for his injuries.

“I am thankful that our deputy survived this horrific incident and I am thankful for the quick and professional response by the Virginia Department of Transportation workers, the Virginia State Police, Augusta County Fire Rescue, Riverheads Volunteer Fire Department – Station 25 and the Augusta County Emergency Communications Center,” Augusta County Sheriff Donald L. Smith posted on Facebook. “I am also thankful that the deputy was wearing his seatbelt and that he sustained only minor injuries.”

Anyone with information about this hit-and-run investigation is encouraged to contact the Virginia State Police’s Area 17 Office by calling (540) 885-2142 or e-mailing [email protected]

The Trucker News Staff

The Trucker News Staff produces engaging content for not only TheTrucker.com, but also The Trucker Newspaper, which has been serving the trucking industry for more than 30 years. With a focus on drivers, the Trucker News Staff aims to provide relevant, objective content pertaining to the trucking segment of the transportation industry. The Trucker News Staff is based in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Avatar for The Trucker News Staff
The Trucker News Staff produces engaging content for not only TheTrucker.com, but also The Trucker Newspaper, which has been serving the trucking industry for more than 30 years. With a focus on drivers, the Trucker News Staff aims to provide relevant, objective content pertaining to the trucking segment of the transportation industry. The Trucker News Staff is based in Little Rock, Arkansas.
For over 30 years, the objective of The Trucker editorial team has been to produce content focused on truck drivers that is relevant, objective and engaging. After reading this article, feel free to leave a comment about this article or the topics covered in this article for the author or the other readers to enjoy. Let them know what you think! We always enjoy hearing from our readers.

Virginia deputy’s cruiser struck by hit-and-run big rig along I-81

Comment

These are not truckers, only steering wheel holders. Thankful the officer was able to recover. No excuse for the truck operator.

COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE