A North Dakota Highway Patrol trooper sustained minor injuries after his patrol car was struck head-on by a driver travelling in the wrong direction on Highway 83 in Bismarck in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Reports indicate that the trooper was stationed in the median when he noticed the vehicle heading south in the northbound lane. Despite the patrol car’s emergency lights being activated, the driver continued towards the median before swerving back onto the roadway, leading to the collision.

The driver, identified as Steven Kessel from Bismarck, has been charged with DUI, reckless endangerment, and driving with a suspended licence.

Both Kessel and a passenger were taken to the hospital with injuries of unknown severity, while the trooper involved did not require transportation for medical treatment.

Image: NDHP