Michigan State Police trooper killed during traffic stop on I-75

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A Michigan State Police trooper was killed in the line of duty on Wednesday when a vehicle struck him as he was conducting a traffic stop on I-75, authorities said.

Trooper Joel Popp, 39, and other troopers had stopped a suspected impaired driver just after 7 p.m. on a curved part of I-75 near Birch Run, Michigan State Police (MSP) said.

As the troopers were investigating, an 81-year-old male driver struck two patrol cars and Popp, who was standing outside his patrol vehicle.

Popp was rushed to Hurley Medical Center, where he died of his injuries.

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Michigan State Police Trooper Joel Popp, 39, was struck by a vehicle and killed during a traffic stop on I-75 on Wednesday night. (Michigan State Police)

The 81-year-old driver suffered serious injuries but was expected to survive.

“This is a message none of us wishes to deliver. With a very heavy heart I confirm the death of one of our own, Tpr. Joel Popp,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP, in a written statement. “I ask that you please keep his family, fellow troopers and all whose lives he has touched in your thoughts.”

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Popp joined the MSP in January 2020. He is survived by his wife and their young daughter.

Popp joined the MSP in January of 2020 and served at the Tri-City Post his entire career. (Michigan State Police/Facebook, File)

He is the 56th Michigan State Trooper to be killed in the line of duty.

Last week, a state trooper in Indiana was helping a motorist change a flat tire on a curved part of I-65 in Indianapolis when a suspected drunk driver struck and critically injured him, Indiana State Police said. Officials said the trooper in this incident, Azariah Keith, is expected to make a full recovery.

Indiana State Trooper Azariah Keith is recovering after he was struck by a vehicle while helping a stranded motorist change a flat tire on a curved part of I-65 in Indianapolis. (Indiana State Police)

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Both Michigan and Indiana, along with the other 48 states, have a “Move Over” law which requires drivers to slow down or move to an adjacent lane for emergency vehicles that have their lights flashing or are assisting in emergencies.