A Kingston police officer struck by car was hospitalized in stable condition after being hit by a vehicle while directing traffic Monday morning, according to police and multiple Hudson Valley news reports.
The driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. Authorities have not announced charges or said what caused the collision.
The incident happened at about 7:45 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 5, at the intersection of Hurley Avenue and Quarry Street in Kingston. The officer, whose name has not been released, was working traffic control when a motor vehicle struck the officer.
This incident involving a Kingston police officer struck by car highlights the dangers faced by law enforcement while on duty.
Officer taken to Kingston hospital
The Kingston Fire Department responded and transported the injured officer to HealthAlliance Hospital in Kingston for treatment. Police said the officer was in stable condition. Officials have not publicly detailed the nature or extent of the injuries.
Several local agencies assisted at the scene, according to reports citing Kingston police.
Driver remained at scene
The driver stayed at the scene after the collision and has been cooperating with the investigation. As of Tuesday morning, authorities had not publicly identified the driver or announced any traffic citation or criminal charge.
That distinction matters while the investigation remains open. A vehicle striking an officer is a serious event, but the available information does not establish why the collision occurred or who, if anyone, was legally at fault.
Investigation remains ongoing
Kingston police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Anyone who witnessed the collision or has information that could help investigators is asked to contact the Kingston Police Department at 845-331-1671.
The department’s official city webpage lists the same main telephone number and identifies the agency as a New York State-accredited police department serving the City of Kingston.
Roadside traffic control carries real risks
The collision also highlights the danger faced by police officers, firefighters, highway crews and other workers who must sometimes stand close to moving traffic. Drivers approaching an officer directing traffic should reduce speed, stay alert and follow the officer’s directions.
Motorists can help protect people working along roads by taking a few basic precautions:
- Slow down when approaching police, emergency crews or road workers.
- Put away phones and other distractions.
- Leave extra stopping distance, especially near intersections.
- Watch for hand signals and temporary traffic directions.
- Never assume a worker in the roadway can see an approaching vehicle.
What remains unknown
Police have not released the officer’s identity, a detailed description of the injuries, the driver’s identity, or an official determination of the cause. No publicly available report reviewed by the Utica Phoenix confirmed that the driver had been ticketed or charged.
The Utica Phoenix will update this report if Kingston police release significant new information about the officer’s condition or the investigation.
Sources
This report was independently rewritten and verified using reporting from NEWS10, Mid-Hudson News, Hudson Valley One and the City of Kingston Police Department. Original source: NEWS10.
