LANCASTER, NY — A New York State Police trooper was injured after being struck by a vehicle that crashed into a patrol car on the Thruway westbound shortly before 2 a.m. on Feb. 7, 2026.
Two troopers were outside their patrol car on the left shoulder assisting a disabled motorist when a passing Kia sedan spun out, ending up facing eastbound and striking the rear of the parked patrol car, which had its emergency lights activated.
The patrol car was pushed into one of the troopers, causing her to be thrown into the snow off the shoulder of the road.
The trooper was transported to Erie County Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries and later released.
The Kia was operated by Emily Elizabeth Lopez-Rangel, 22, of Batavia.
Lopez-Rangel and her passenger were evaluated by first responders at the scene and declined treatment or transportation to the hospital.
Lopez-Rangel showed no signs of drug or alcohol impairment.
The crash was the result of unsafe driving for the conditions.
Lopez-Rangel was issued several citations for vehicle and traffic law violations.
The incident marks the second time a trooper has been struck on the Thruway in the past two weeks.
New York State Police said New York’s Move Over Law requires motorists to slow down, be alert, and move over when safely possible for all vehicles stopped along the road.
More than 2,500 tickets were issued for Move Over Law violations along the NYS Thruway in 2025.
