Pa. state trooper struck while helping disabled motorist

BUTLER TWP., Pa. (WPVI) -- A Pennsylvania state trooper was critically injured when he was struck by a car while helping a disabled motorist.

It happened around 3:00 p.m. Friday in the southbound lanes of I-81 in Butler Township, Schuylkill County.

Officials say the victim is 47-year-old Sgt. Robert Bermis, a 22-year veteran of the force.

Sgt. Bernis was assisting a disabled motorist when the driver of an SUV lost control, striking the police cruiser.

The impact of the crash, sent the cruiser into Sgt. Bermis and the disabled motorist.

Bermis was taken to Geisinger Medical Center in critical condition.

The motorist who was hit suffered minor injuries.

The driver of the striking vehicle and two passengers were hospitalized for observation.

No word what led up to the crash. Police are investigating.