A North Carolina Highway Patrol trooper was struck by a vehicle while on the scene of an earlier crash Wednesday night.
The trooper was investigating a weather-related wreck along Highway 321 near the River Road Exit in Catawba County when a motorist hit him as he crossed the road, according to WSOC-TV.
The impact sent the trooper 20 feet, but officials said that he was alert and talking after being hit. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries.
Officials said that the driver of the car that struck the state trooper said he was heading to church for Ash Wednesday and didn't see the law enforcement officer, who was wearing his yellow traffic vest.
"It is heartbreaking seeing someone who we work with every day hurt," Sgt. Matt Futrell told the news station. "That's why we encourage the public to slow down when they see blue, red, even yellow lights."
