Rhode Island State Police Investigate an Accident in which a Uniformed Trooper was struck on Route 146 South in the Town of Lincoln

RI – On Sunday, October 9th, 2016, at approximately 11:00 AM, a member of the Uniform Division assigned to the Scituate Barracks was assisting a disabled motor vehicle on Route 146 South, just north of Route 116 in the Town of Lincoln. Trooper Jeremy Gaucher was outside of his marked cruiser with emergency overhead lights activated as he approached the disabled vehicle. At the same time, a vehicle traveling in the left lane of Route 146 South lost control on the wet roadway.

After losing control, the vehicle slid to the right where it simultaneously struck the marked State Police cruiser and Trooper Gaucher who was standing near the front of the cruiser. As a result of the impact, the cruiser was then pushed forward into the rear of the disabled motor vehicle. An occupant seated in the initial disabled motor vehicle complained of minor pain. The Trooper was transported to Rhode Island Hospital where he was treated and released for non-life threatening injuries.

Initial investigation determined that drugs and alcohol were not involved, but weather was a possible contributing factor. Members of the Rhode Island State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit, Forensic Science Unit, as well as uniformed Troopers from the Scituate and Lincoln Woods Barracks assisted in the investigation. The incident is currently under investigation and no criminal charges have been filed at this time.

The Rhode Island State Police caution motorists to exercise caution and reduce speed while operating during periods of inclement weather and in the vicinity of emergency or service vehicles.