Michigan State Police trooper killed during traffic stop on I-75

 Michigan State Trooper Joel Pope leaves behind wife, young daughter

A Michigan State Police trooper was killed in the line of duty Wednesday when he was struck by a vehicle while he was conducting a traffic stop on I-75, officials said.

Trooper Joel Popp, 39, and other troopers stopped a suspected impaired driver just after 7 p.m. on a curved portion of I-75 near Birch Run, Michigan State Police (MSP) said.

While troopers were investigating, an 81-year-old male driver struck two patrol cars and Pope, who was standing outside his patrol vehicle.

Pope was taken to Hurley Medical Center, where he died from his injuries.

The 81-year-old driver suffered serious injuries but was expected to survive.

MSP Director Colonel James F. Grady II said in writing, "This is a message none of us want to give. It is with a very heavy heart that I confirm the death of one of our own, TPR. Joel Pope." statement. "I ask that you please keep his family, fellow soldiers and all those whose lives he touched in your thoughts."

Pope joined the MSPs in January 2020. He is survived by his wife and his younger daughter.

He is the 56th Michigan State Trooper to be killed in the line of duty.

Last week, a state trooper in Indianapolis was helping a motorist change a flat tire on a winding stretch of I-65 when a suspected drunk driver hit him and was seriously injured, Indiana State Police said. Injured by. Azariah Keith, the soldier injured in the incident, is expected to make a full recovery, officials said.

Both Michigan and Indiana, along with the other 48 states, have a "move over" law that requires drivers to slow down or move into the adjacent lane to emergency vehicles that have their lights flashing or that are assisting in an emergency. Have been.