TOWN OF DUANE, New York (WWNY) – A New York State Police trooper was struck by a vehicle while investigating a property damage accident at the intersection of State Route 458 and State Route 30 in the town of Duane.
The incident occurred at approximately 8:07 a.m. on Feb. 13, 2026.
Two marked State Police vehicles, units 3B10 and 1B46, were positioned on the east shoulder of State Route 30, facing north, with emergency lights activated. Trooper Bailey Martin, assigned to State Police Malone, was outside her patrol vehicle consulting with another trooper when the crash occurred.
A gray 2016 Dodge Durango, operated by Colin M. Wanat, 21, of Eastham, Massachusetts, was traveling eastbound on State Route 458 approaching the intersection. Wanat said he failed to observe the posted stop sign due to sunlight impairing his vision. He attempted to stop and turn onto State Route 30 but was unable to do so.
The vehicle struck Trooper Martin and collided with her unoccupied patrol vehicle.
Three passengers were in the Durango at the time of the crash: Thomas E. Proia, 22, of Sudbury, Massachusetts; Brendan E. Walsh, 21, of Madison, Connecticut; and Ryan C. Surhoff, 21, of Westchester, New York. All occupants were evaluated at the scene by EMS personnel. They sustained non-life-threatening injuries and declined further medical treatment.
Trooper Martin was transported to Alice Hyde Medical Center for further evaluation. She sustained non-life-threatening injuries and has since returned to duty.
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