SAGINAW, MI — Michigan State Police say a trooper was killed after being struck by a car during a traffic stop on Wednesday night. The MSP have identified the trooper as 39-year-old Trooper Joel Popp of the Saginaw Post.
According to MSP, Popp and other troopers were investigating a suspected impaired driver stopped on I-75 in Saginaw County. While investigating, an 81-year-old male motorist struck two patrol cars and Popp – who was outside of his patrol car at the time – was struck and killed.
“This is a message none of us wishes to deliver. With a very heavy heart I confirm the death of one of our own, Tpr. Joel Popp,” stated Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP. “I ask that you please keep his family, fellow troopers and all whose lives he has touched in your thoughts.”
Popp, the 56th Michigan State Police Trooper to be killed in the line of duty, enlisted with the Michigan State Police in January of 2020 and is survived by his wife Stefanie and a young daughter.
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