By Kiera Blessing
The Eagle-Tribune
MERRIMACK, N.H. — A state trooper and former Derry police officer was struck by a hit-and-run driver on the Everett Turnpike early Sunday morning while helping another trooper with a traffic stop.
Trooper Ryan Hickey was standing near his driver’s side door at about 2:30 a.m. when he was struck on the left side of his body by a southbound vehicle, State Police said in a statement. Hickey was taken to a local hospital by ambulance. He remained hospitalized Monday morning, but is expected to recover.
The other trooper on the scene rushed to Hickey’s aid and was able to identify the suspect vehicle as an older, light-colored SUV.
Police took possession of the suspect vehicle within 24 hours of the crash. Troopers are searching for the driver, State Police said.
Hickey has been a state trooper for one year, and previously served as a Derry Police Officer for two years.
State Police noted the outpouring of “exceptional” support for Trooper Hickey from the community in the light of the recent tragic death of Officer Ronald Tarentino Jr. of the Auburn, Massachusetts Police Department in the line of duty Sunday.
New Hampshire State Police asked that anyone with information about the incident contact troopers at 603-223-4381 or email Trooper Christopher Storm atchristopher.storm@dos.nh.gov.
Copyright 2016 The Eagle-Tribune