A Monday morning crash sent two law enforcement officers, including Trooper Fidencio Medina of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, to a pair of hospitals in Nashville. The crash occurred at approximately 7:13 a.m. on Interstate 40 westbound near mile marker 192 in Davidson County.
A preliminary investigation indicates Trooper Medina was responding to a non-injury, single-vehicle crash, when a 2004 Chevy Silverado, driven by Anthony Gene Baker Jr., lost control and collided into his patrol car. The impact pushed the trooper’s car into a Metro Police Department patrol unit, which had arrived on scene to take over the initial property crash investigation.
Standing outside of his vehicle, Trooper Medina was discussing the crash with Metro Officer Cesar Castillo, who had not yet exited his patrol car, when the westbound pickup struck the vehicles.
Mr. Medina suffered a broken leg, four broken ribs, as well as a collapsed lung. He was transported to Vanderbilt Medical Center and was scheduled to undergo surgery Monday afternoon.
Officer Cesar Castillo, who is assigned to the West Precinct, was taken to Saint Thomas Hospital for a non-critical back injury.
Baker, 35, of New Johnsonville, Tn., was not cited. THP Lieutenant Michael Hamilton investigated the crash and the Critical Incident Response Team was called to the scene.
Trooper Medina, 55, began his career with the Tennessee Highway Patrol in April of 1977. He is currently assigned to Cheatham County.
During the 24-hour period, from noon on Sunday to noon on Monday, the THP Nashville District investigated 122 crashes without injuries, 42 crashes with injuries, and assisted 47 motorists.