NEWTON, Mass. (AP) – A state trooper was seriously hurt after he was hit by an alleged drunken driver while outside his cruiser investigating a previous accident.

State police said trooper Danna Cresta was hit early Saturday in the breakdown lane on the Massachusetts Turnpike westbound at Newton.

Police said the 49-year-old Cresta received injuries to his head, face, legs and ribs and was hospitalized at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. On Saturday afternoon, police described his condition as serious, but improving .

Police said Cresta was investigating a single-car crash when 23-year-old Patrick Sullivan of Framingham hit him with his Nissan Maxima.

Cresta crashed through the Nissan’s windshield, then was thrown away from the car.

Sullivan, who was not injured, faces charges including operating under the influence causing serious bodily injury.


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