Patrolman Richard E. Hedstrom

Richard E. Hedstrom

Patrolman Richard Hedstrom was struck and killed by a drunk driver during a traffic stop near Kalispell, Montana.

He was writing a warning for a malfunctioning headlight and his training officer was sitting in the patrol car when it was struck from behind by a pickup truck traveling at 87 mph. The impact pushed the patrol car into Patrolman Hedstrom, causing fatal injuries. The driver of the truck was to be charged with negligent homicide but died of injuries sustained in the collision.

Patrolman Hedstrom had only been employed with the Montana Highway Patrol for 18 days. He is survived by his wife and son.