HOPKINTON, Mass. — A Massachusetts State Police Trooper and his K9 partner were released from the hospital on Tuesday after his cruiser was struck from behind on I-495 in Hopkinton.
Trooper Kenneth Hanchett, 37, and his partner, Orry, were both injured when their marked Ford Explorer was hit by a driver who was operating in the breakdown lane just before 2 p.m. on Monday.
Both suffered potentially serious injuries but were in good condition Tuesday, after being held overnight for tests and observation.
At the time of the crash, Trooper Hanchett was on a detail with emergency lights activated, protecting a road crew in the breakdown lane on the southbound side of the highway. Both the Trooper and his partner were in the cruiser when it was struck by a 2020 Subaru Forester driven by an 81-year-old Connecticut man.
The Connecticut man also suffered minor injuries in the crash and was hospitalized for his injuries.
Trooper Hanchett called in the crash himself over the radio; other Troopers, including other members of the K9 Unit, along with Fire Department and EMS companies, responded to the scene.
Lieutenant Erik Ramsland, commander of the State Police K9 Unit, said in a communication to his unit: “I am extremely proud of the response from our members. We had members on the scene almost immediately helping Ken and Orry… Ken and Orry were never left alone without a union member present. I have always referred to this as a family; once again, you have proven that point.”
The Subaru driver is expected to face charges. The crash remains under investigation to determine the specific charges.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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