DUANE, NY — A New York State Police trooper was struck by a vehicle while investigating a property damage accident on Feb. 13, 2026.
The incident occurred at approximately 8:07 a.m. at the intersection of State Route 458 and State Route 30.
Trooper Bailey Martin, assigned to SP Malone, was outside her marked patrol vehicle consulting with another trooper when a gray 2016 Dodge Durango approached the intersection.
The Durango was traveling eastbound on State Route 458 and was operated by Colin M. Wanat, 21, of Eastham, Massachusetts.
Three passengers were in the vehicle: Thomas E. Proia, 22, of Sudbury, Massachusetts; Brendan E. Walsh, 21, of Madison, Connecticut; and Ryan C. Surhoff, 21, of Westchester, New York.
Wanat told police he failed to observe the posted stop sign due to sunlight impairing his vision.
He attempted to stop and turn onto State Route 30 but was unable to do so.
The vehicle struck Trooper Martin and subsequently collided with her unoccupied patrol vehicle.
Two marked State Police vehicles were positioned at the intersection facing north on the east shoulder of State Route 30 with emergency lights activated at the time of the collision.
Trooper Martin and the occupants of the Dodge Durango were evaluated at the scene by responding EMS personnel.
The occupants of the Dodge Durango sustained non-life-threatening injuries and declined further medical treatment.
Trooper Martin was transported to Alice Hyde Medical Center for further evaluation.
She sustained non-life-threatening injuries and has since returned to duty.
