2 state troopers, prisoner injured during trip to prison in Indiana County
Two state troopers and a prisoner were injured Monday afternoon on their way to the state prison in Indiana County.
The troopers, who are assigned to the Indiana County station, and the prisoner, a 20-year-old man, suffered minor to moderate injuries inside the troopers’ unmarked patrol vehicle just before 12:30 p.m. near the entrance to State Correctional Institution Pine Grove in White Township, according to Trooper First Class Cliff Greenfield, a public information officer at the barracks.
“Numerous troopers responded to the scene very quickly and secured it,” Greenfield said.
Greenfield said the patrol vehicle was damaged in the incident that occurred after the prisoner had attended a hearing. He said he couldn’t provide further details Monday evening.
Greenfield declined to identify the troopers and the prisoner. He said they were taken to Indiana Regional Medical Center, where the troopers were treated and released. The condition of the prisoner wasn’t available.
Indiana County District Attorney Patrick Dougherty confirmed he assisted with the police investigation of the incident. He referred all questions to state police.
The incident is under investigation by the state police Troop A Major Case Team, Greenfield said. The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, Citizens’ Ambulance Service, the Indiana County Sheriff’s Office and the Indiana County Emergency Management Agency assisted at the scene.
Jeff Himler is a TribLive reporter covering Greater Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Mt. Pleasant Area and Derry Area school districts and their communities. He also reports on transportation issues. A journalist for more than three decades, he enjoys delving into local history. He can be reached at jhimler@triblive.com.
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