On 07/27/2024, at approximately 3:08 a.m., Troopers assigned to Troop G – Bridgeport responded to a motor vehicle collision on I-95 southbound in the area of Exit 17 in Westport.
At the scene, a State Police cruiser, assigned to Trooper Galej #1158, was stationary, positioned in the left travel lane, with its emergency lights activated.
A 2015 Kia Sorrento was traveling in the left lane, approaching Trooper Galej’s stationary cruiser. The operator of the Kia, later identified as Sonny Abdul-Hardy, DOB 02/21/1977, failed to safely slow his vehicle and/or move to the right of the emergency vehicle and struck the rear of the stationary cruiser.
Trooper Galej was outside of the cruiser at the time of the collision and was not injured as a result.
Abdul-Hardy was treated and evaluated on-scene by Norwalk EMS personnel for minor injuries but refused transport.
Both vehicles were towed from the scene due to disabling damage.
Abdul-Hardy was issued an infraction in violation of C.G.S. §14-240(b, Failure to Drive a Reasonable Distance Apart, resulting in a Motor Vehicle Accident and C.G.S. §14-283b, Failure to Move Over for Emergency Vehicles.
The Connecticut State Police urge motorists to use extra caution when approaching police, fire, EMS, Department of Transportation vehicles, and tow trucks – and their operators – who are working to keep Connecticut’s highways safe.
As a reminder, Connecticut General Statute 14-283b requires drivers to SLOW DOWN and MOVE OVER for stationary emergency vehicles on the highway.