State trooper injured in collision

MOSES LAKE - State trooper Dean T. Burt was injured when a semi truck struck a patrol car on the side of state Route 395 on Sunday evening.

A semi truck crossed the edge line of SR 395 and struck the rear of a Washington State Patrol car, causing it to strike a second state patrol car, according to trooper Tony Briggs.

The patrol cars were on the side of the road with emergency lights activated.

The collision led to severe injuries for the 53-year-old Ritzville trooper. Burt was flown by MedSTAR to Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane for treatment, according to Briggs.

Burt has served with the Washington State Patrol for 19 years and is part of the Ritzville detachment.

His 2008 white Ford Crown Victoria was totaled.

James A. Helms, 43, Phoenix, was allegedly driving the semi truck and was not reportedly injured in the collision.

He has not been charged with a crime or traffic infraction, according to the state.

The collision is under investigation.

"Detectives are seeking witnesses that may have seen the collision or any event leading up to or following the crash," Briggs stated. "If you have any information or know somebody that does, please contact Detective Sergeant Jerry Cooper at 360-805-1192 or Detective Greg Wilcoxson at 360-805-1195."