3 RI State Police Cruisers Struck In 3 Separate Crashes

PROVIDENCE, RI — Three Rhode Island State Police cruisers were struck in three separate crashes in less than a week, State Police said Thursday.

"We are incredibly fortunate that none of these incidents resulted in a life-threatening injury, but we need drivers to be more alert for the safety of our troopers and the motoring public," State Police Col. Darnell Weaver. "Drivers need to slow down and move over whenever they see emergency lights to protect first responders and construction crews. If you do get pulled over, please keep the safety of our Troopers in mind and don’t endanger their lives with your poor decisions."

Here's some information on each of the crashes:

11:45 p.m., Monday

Troopers responded to a crash on Interstate 95 northbound in Providence. Following the crash, State Police closed the high-speed lane, and a cruiser with a trooper inside was struck.

The trooper was taken to Rhode Island Hospital for minor injuries and was released, police said. The operator of the other vehicle was summonsed for violation of the move over law.

9:15 a.m., Wednesday

Troopers were investigating a crash on Route 195 eastbound in East Providence. Troopers were with the involved vehicle in the right breakdown lane, standing at the passenger side window, when an approaching vehicle veered right, entered the breakdown lane, struck the vehicle, which then hit a trooper.

State Police said the Trooper was taken to Rhode Island Hospital for moderate injuries. The operator of the vehicle that was in the breakdown lane was also transported. The driver of the vehicle that struck them was cited for a laned roadway violation.

1:25 a.m., Thursday

Troopers conducted a motor vehicle stop in Providence. During the stop, State Police said the driver of the Cadillac put his vehicle into reverse and purposely backed into the front of the cruiser twice, before speeding away.

After a brief pursuit, the vehicle stopped on Magnolia Street and the operator, David Matera, 38, of Foster, was arrested, State Police said. Matera was charged with driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor/drugs, refusal to submit to chemical test, reckless driving, eluding a law enforcement officer in a high speed pursuit (second offense), duty to stop in an accident resulting in damage to a vehicle, driving with a suspended license (third or subsequent offense) and malicious damage. State Police said no injuries were reported.