A Virginia State Trooper was injured during a crash in Pittsylvania County on Saturday. According to Virginia State Police, at 2:04 pm two Virginia State Police Troopers assigned to Pittsylvania County were stopped on the southbound side of U.S. Highway 29 assisting with a disabled tractor trailer.

The troopers were outside of their vehicles when the rear patrol vehicle was struck by a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser which was traveling south on U.S. 29.  The rear patrol vehicle then struck one of the troopers as the rear patrol vehicle struck the second patrol vehicle.

The injured trooper was transported by helicopter to Roanoke Memorial Hospital with serious injuries.  The second trooper was not injured.

Both patrol vehicles had their emergency lights activated and were partially in the right travel lane to protect the disabled tractor trailer.

The driver of the Chrysler, Raul Jesus Salas, 74, of Gretna, was charged with Reckless Driving. The incident remains under investigation.