EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KKTV) – Wednesday around 3:44 p.m., a Colorado State Patrol vehicle was struck on Highway 115 near Little Turkey Creek Road in El Paso County, CSP said.

Colorado State Patrol Trooper Tyler Atkins was in his patrol vehicle when he was hit. The trooper was taken to a hospital for potentially serious injuries, but CSP said the trooper is expected to recover.

Just after 8 p.m., CSP said Atkins had been released from hospital and was returning home recovering from his injuries.

CSP said the other driver remained at the scene and was also taken to hospital. That driver was suspected of being under the influence at the time of the crash.

As of 5:30 p.m., CSP said Highway 115 near Little Turkey Creek Road was closed for further investigation.

CSP said this was the 11th patrol vehicle hit this year and the second this month alone.

“What more do we need to say to get drivers to pay attention?” declared col. Colorado State Patrol Chief Matthew C. Packard “If the wheel is in your hands, you need to be alert, your eyes need to be up and it’s your responsibility to keep everyone else on the road safe. No warnings for failure to move, no warnings for impaired driving, just long lasting consequences. Do your job as a driver and focus on the task at hand. Our families, our lives and your safety depend on it”

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