HORSEHEADS, NY – A New York State Police patrol vehicle was damaged yesterday afternoon when a motorist lost control and sideswiped the parked cruiser while a trooper was clearing debris from Interstate 86.
The incident occurred on June 11, 2025, at approximately 1:23 p.m. on Interstate 86 eastbound near Exit 54 (State Route 13/Ithaca) in the town of Horseheads, Chemung County.
According to State Police reports, Trooper SP Horseheads had positioned his marked patrol vehicle on the south shoulder and exited to remove large debris from the left passing lane when the collision occurred. A 2018 Chrysler Pacifica, operated by 76-year-old Lynn M. Tolbert, lost control after striking another vehicle and subsequently sideswiped the parked State Police cruiser.
The trooper, who was outside his vehicle removing the road hazard at the time of impact, was uninjured in the incident. Tolbert sustained minor abrasions but declined medical treatment at the scene.
The collision resulted in property damage to the State Police vehicle, though the extent of the damage was not immediately disclosed.
“This incident serves as a critical reminder for all motorists to remain alert and exercise extreme caution when approaching emergency vehicles and highway workers,” State Police officials emphasized following the collision.
The case remains under investigation by the New York State Police.
