Las Vegas Sun

March 18, 2024

NHP trooper struck by motorcycle on U.S. 95

Updated Thursday, April 28, 2016 | 2:23 p.m.

A Nevada Highway Patrol trooper was hospitalized Wednesday evening after a motorcycle struck him on the ramp to southbound Interstate 15 from U.S. 95.

About 7:30 p.m., an NHP trooper reported that two motorcycles were driving recklessly, speeding and splitting travel lanes on southbound U.S. 95, Trooper Jason Buratczuk said.

A trooper was conducting traffic control with a freeway service patrol vehicle at a crash scene at the U.S. 95 and I-15 ramp from a separate incident when one of the motorcyclists crashed into the trooper, Buratczuk said.

The motorcyclist slowed down, revved his engine and then proceeded forward, hitting the trooper at speeds between 15 and 20 mph, officials said. The trooper was stuck on the motorcycle with the front wheel between his legs as the bike accelerated, officials said.

The trooper quickly reacted by placing the rider in a bear hug and using his weight to bring him and the motorcycle to the ground, officials said.

The motorcyclist, 21-year-old Tyler Mitchell, was arrested on counts of reckless driving and assault with a deadly weapon, officials said. The other rider fled the scene, Buratczuk said.

The trooper, a 10-year NHP veteran, suffered nonlife-threatening injuries to his legs, he said.

The U.S. 95 and I-15 southbound ramp was closed for over two hours and reopened just before 10 p.m.

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