State Trooper Released From Hospital After Cruiser Struck on I-95 in Canton

The driver of a pickup truck that struck a state police cruiser early Wednesday morning on Rte. I-95 in Canton will be cited for operating to endanger and marked lanes violation, according to a statement from the Massachusetts State Police Wednesday. 

Trooper Kenneth Downey, 27, who is assigned to Troop H, was released from Boston Medical Center after examination and tests Wednesday morning. Downey had to be extricated from his vehicle by Canton firefighters after the accident Wednesday, according to state police. 

"He was conscious and alert but was in pain and was transported by EMS to Boston Medical Center for examination," the release states.

Downey had been in his 2006 Ford Crown Victoria marked cruiser protecting a paving detail on Rte. 95 South, near Exit 11 in Canton, when his vehicle was struck by a 2003 Ford F150 pickup operated by Ricardo Lepe, of Beverly, who will be summonsed for operating to endanger and marked lanes violation.

Lepe was transported to Norwood Hospital with minor injuries, as were his passengers, a 67-year-old man and a 35-year-old man. Investigation by State Police suggests that Lepe may have fallen asleep behind the wheel.

"The incident was yet another example of the dangers troopers face protecting the state’s roadways," according to Wednesday's statement by State Police. "The State Police, furthermore, remind the motoring public that driving while overly fatigued can be as dangerous as driving while impaired."