US state trooper killed as Kenyan man crashes into police vehicle

David Njuguna's mangled car at the scene of the accident. PHOTO | PAUL KAPTEYN | COURTESY

What you need to know:

  • The trooper was identified as Thomas Clardy, 44, with the Massachusetts State Police.
  • Mr Njuguna crashed into the trooper’s cruiser, which was parked on the side of the turnpike, as the trooper was getting into his vehicle after a traffic stop.
  • The trooper leaves behind his wife, Reisa, and their six children, aged four to 17.

A Kenyan man on Wednesday afternoon crashed his vehicle into a police cruiser in Massachusetts, leaving a state policeman dead.

Thirty-year-old David Njuguna of Webster, MA, was speeding on the Massachusetts Turnpike before he veered across three marked lanes and crashed into the state trooper’s vehicle.

The trooper was identified as Thomas Clardy, 44, with the Massachusetts State Police.

Mr Njuguna crashed into the trooper’s cruiser, which was parked on the side of the turnpike, as the trooper was getting into his vehicle after a traffic stop.

According to police, the impact sent the trooper's vehicle crashing into a nearby embankment.

A medical helicopter landing at the scene of the accident to airlift Kenyan David Njuguna after he crashed his vehicle into a police cruiser in Massachusetts, leaving a state policeman dead. PHOTO | JOHN BLANDING


When first responders arrived at the scene, they found Trooper Clardy with traumatic injuries and administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) before transporting him to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The trooper leaves behind his wife, Reisa, and their six children, aged four to 17.

Mr Njuguna was airlifted by a helicopter to UMass Medical Center with serious injuries.

According to the police, Mr Njuguna is being charged with negligent operation of a motor vehicle and failure to stay in his lane.
Police are also seeking an immediate suspension of his licence with the Registry of Motor Vehicles. More charges may be added.

Njuguna's vehicle being towed from the accident scene. PHOTO | JOHN BLANDING

Massachusetts state troopers escort Trooper Clardy's body to the morgue. PHOTO | ARAM BOGHOSIAN