Colorado trooper recovering at home after collision on highway in El Paso County

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KKTV) – A Colorado State Patrol vehicle was struck on Highway 115 near Little Turkey Creek Road in El Paso County on Wednesday around 3:44 p.m., according to CSP.

Colorado State Patrol Trooper Tyler Atkins was sitting in his patrol vehicle when it was struck. The trooper was flown to a hospital due to possible serious injuries, but CSP said they expect the trooper to recover.

Just after 8 p.m., CSP said Atkins had been released from the hospital and was back home recovering from his injuries.

CSP said the other driver remained at the scene and was also taken to a hospital. The driver was probably under the influence at the time of the accident.

As of 5:30 p.m., CSP said Highway 115 near Little Turkey Creek Road was closed for further investigation.

CSP said this was the eleventh patrol vehicle this year and the second this month.

“What else do we need to say to convince drivers to pay attention?” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol: “When you are behind the wheel, you must be sober, your eyes up, and it is your responsibility to keep everyone else safe on the road. There are no warnings for not switching, there are no warnings for bad driving, there are only long-lasting consequences. Do your job as a driver and concentrate on the task at hand. Our families, our lives and your safety depend on it.”