STATE POLICE VEHICLE STRUCK BY TRACTOR TRAILER

   On 08/19/11, at approximately 12:30 a.m., Connecticut State Trooper Christopher Francis was parked stationary with emergency lights activated on the right shoulder of I-95 southbound near exit 62, Madison, conducting a motor vehicle stop with enforcement.

   A tractor trailer traveling southbound drifted onto the shoulder and sideswiped the left side of TPR. Francis’s cruiser.  The tractor trailer pulled over briefly onto the shoulder but before a Trooper could approach, the tractor trailer driver drove off. 

   The tractor trailer was later located and stopped by responding Troopers on I-95 southbound near exit 56 in Branford.  The operator of the tractor trailer stated he didn’t believe that he hit the cruiser.  He stated further that while driving southbound,  he did swerve away from the cruiser after drifting towards it.  The operator stated he did stop briefly to check his tractor for damage but did not see any. 

   The State Police Cruiser damage was moderate.  The tractor trailer was inspected by Truck Squad Troopers. 

   The tractor trailer operator was identified as William Chandler,  DOB: 05-25-50, from Dover, DE. Chandler was charged with Failure to Drive in Established Lane and Evading Responsibility.

   TPR. Francis was transported to the Shoreline Clinic in Essex for minor injury.  He was treated and released.

###END###

LT. J. Paul Vance