ISP trooper had to dive for his life on I-84 to avoid hit-and-run truck driver

A semi-truck driver is wanted in connection with a hit-and-run crash involving an Idaho State Police vehicle on Interstate 84 in Boise Wednesday night, according to ISP spokesman Tim Marsano.

A trooper was investigating a fender-bender on the left shoulder of westbound I-84 near the Cole Road exit when a white semi-truck crashed into a VW Jetta that wasn’t part of the initial crash. The truck, which wasn’t pulling a trailer, sent the passenger car careening into the rear of the ISP patrol car parked on the left shoulder.

The trooper heard the impact and dove for his life into the highway median, Marsano said. He was examined a local hospital and was found not to have any injuries.

The initial crash occurred before 6 p.m. Three lanes of westbound I-84 were blocked until a little after 7 p.m.

Because the driver of the semi-truck did not stop, he’s facing criminal charges. Investigators are working to determine who was at the wheel. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information about it should call ISP non-emergency dispatch: 208-846-7550.

Marsano said the crash was a reminder for the public to move over when there are law enforcement, transportation department employees and others on the highway. Idaho’s “Move Over Law,” enacted a dozen years ago, requires motorists to either move over a lane or slow down below the speed limit when approaching parked police or emergency services vehicle. Violators face a $90 citation.

“Please, people, pay attention and obey that law,” Marsano said. “When you see an emergency worker or maintenance worker, please move over and slow down.”

Katy Moeller: 208-377-6413

This story was originally published October 16, 2018 at 7:59 PM.