A Texas Department of Public Safety trooper, who was almost killed by a suspect drunk driver on Labor Day 2016, returned to work this week.
Trooper Chad Blackburn reported to the DPS Regional Headquarters in northwest Houston Tuesday morning, reaching a goal he has been striving toward for nearly a year, according to KHOU-TV.
In the early morning hours of Sept. 5, 2016, Blackburn was parked along I-45 and Nasa Road 1 looking for drunk drivers when prosecutors say a woman whose blood alcohol level was nearly four times the legal limit plowed into his patrol vehicle at more than 100 miles per hour.
That began a long and challenging road to recovery for the veteran law enforcement officer.
"I knew it was gonna happen," Blackburn told reporters. "Because of everyone's help, I'm here today."
The 11-year veteran is grateful to the co-workers, family members and strangers from across the country who gave him their time, money and prayers after the horrific crash.
Blackburn is now urging people to plan their ride home before they start drinking for the night.
The case involving the crash is still open and the suspect, 31-year-old Tuwanna Moore, is out on bond on an Intoxication Assault charge and is due in court Sept. 13.
