Spring, TX (Montgomery County Monitor) - At approximately 12:50 a.m. Saturday morning, Department of Public Safety (DPS) Trooper Kenneth Balzekas was struck from behind by a white Jeep Cherokee on the northbound main lanes of Interstate 45 North. The trooper was inside his vehicle on the inside shoulder of the roadway when he was hit.

According to DPS Trooper Eric Gray, Trooper Balzekas had his parking lights on and was monitoring traffic for potential violators from the roadside. Trooper Balzekas looked up into his rear-view mirror and saw the vehicle approaching his location just prior to being struck from behind.

Trooper Gray indicated both Balzekas and the driver of the other vehicle, Richard Juan, 26, were both transported to a local hospital. Both patients suffered minor injuries.

Blood was drawn from Juan to determine if he was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Witnesses gathered at the accident scene stated the Jeep was weaving between lanes just prior to the accident.

The accident is currently under investigation.


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