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TRACTOR TRAILER SOUGHT IN HIT AND RUN

THP TROOPER’S VEHICLE STRUCK DURING TRAFFIC STOP

 

Photos of Trooper's vehicle
Video of incident
January 14, 2008

Nashville, Tennessee ---The Tennessee Highway Patrol is looking for the driver of a tractor trailer that hit a Trooper’s vehicle late Saturday night and did not stop.

The incident happened while Trooper Charles Melhorn was conducting a traffic stop on I-75 northbound near mile marker 42 around 11:30 p.m. Trooper Melhorn had just helped a motorist secure a loose tail pipe and got back into his patrol car, when moments later a tractor trailer passed. Even though Trooper Melhorn’s car was well off the roadway, the semi hit the patrol car, ripping off the driver’s door, which was still open. The driver of the semi did not stop. Trooper Melhorn was not injured.

Investigators are looking for a Western Express truck with a white trailer and a dark-colored, possible blue or black, cab. It should have damage to its right side. Dash-cam video, which is available, shows the semi did not slow down, even though the blue lights on Trooper Melhorn’s vehicle were activated.

view of Trooper Melhorn's vehicle after hit by 18 wheeler

close-up view of Trooper Melhorn's vehicle after hit and run by 18 wheeler

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Tennessee Department of Safety’s mission is (www.tennessee.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public.  The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.