Massachusetts

Massachusetts State Police Trooper Hospitalized After OUI Driver Travels in Wrong Lane in Springfield

A Massachusetts State Police trooper was hospitalized after their cruiser was struck by an alleged OUI driver in Springfield on Tuesday night.

Around 10 p.m., officials received a call of a vehicle traveling in the wrong direction on Interstate 91.

A trooper located the vehicle and positioned their cruiser in front of the suspect car in an attempt to halt it.

The driver, who was later identified as 31-year-old Yevgeniy Rudenko, allegedly struck the police cruiser and two other vehicles when he failed to stop. The crash caused Rudenko’s pickup truck to roll over.

The trooper and Rudenko suffered minor injuries. A passenger in one car and the driver of another that was struck suffered serious injuries.

Rudenko was charged with OUI liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, state highway wrong way violation, possession of an open container of alcohol while driving, a marked lanes violation and speeding.

Officials said Rudenko is expected to be arraigned on Wednesday. It is unclear if he has an attorney.

Contact Us