Mass. Trooper Fatally Struck at Traffic Stop
Source Officer.com News
A Massachusetts State Police trooper was killed after his SUV was struck by a passing driver during a traffic stop Wednesday afternoon.
Trooper Thomas L. Clardy stopped a Chevrolet Tahoe for a traffic violation on the westbound side of the Massachusetts Turnpike in Charlton at approximately noon, according to a department news release.
Clardy walked back to his Ford Explorer patrol vehicle after obtaining information from the driver when a passing Nissan Maxima traveling at a high rate of speed swerved to the right and crossed all three lane without slowing before striking the SUV with the trooper still inside.
The impact of the crash pushed the cruiser into the Tahoe and then onto the grassy side of the highway.
First responders found Clardy inside his cruiser with traumatic injuries and began administering first aid, including CPR. He was transported by ambulance to UMass Medical Center in Worcester, where he was pronounced dead.
The driver of the Maxima, identified as 30-year-old David Njuguna, was transported by medical helicopter to UMass Medical Center with serious injuries.
He is being criminally charged with negligent operation of a motor vehicle and failing to stay within marked lanes. The investigation is ongoing to determine whether further charges will be sought.
The 44-year-old trooper joined the department in 2005 and was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.
"He was extremely well-liked by the men and women he worked with and had a reputation as a hard worker, a good trooper, and a great man," Colonel Richard McKeon said in a statement. "He was known for his professionalism and dedication. All who knew him have, today, borne witness to his outstanding character."
Clardy is survived by his wife Reisa and the couple's six children, who range in age from 4 to 17 years.
"The Massachusetts State Police are devastated for their loss," McKeon said. "We will never be able to fill the hole that is left in their lives from this day forward, but they will always be part of our State Police family. We will forever hold them tight to our hearts, for the rest of their lives."
Funeral arrangements are pending.
Paul Peluso | Editor
Paul Peluso is the Managing Editor of OFFICER Magazine and has been with the Officer Media Group since 2006. He began as an Associate Editor, writing and editing content for Officer.com. Previously, Paul worked as a reporter for several newspapers in the suburbs of Baltimore, MD.
