MSP Cruiser Struck During Turnpike Crash Response in Wells

January 9, 2026 — by Scanner Alerts Media

A Maine State Police cruiser was struck Friday morning while troopers were investigating a separate crash on the Maine Turnpike in Wells, according to Maine State Police.

Police said that at approximately 7:12 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, Troop G troopers were

investigating a single-vehicle crash in the median on the northbound side of the Maine Turnpike at mile marker 19. Three troopers parked marked cruisers with emergency lights activated to divert traffic away from the median crash.

Maine State Police said Trooper Christopher Caldeira was seated inside his marked blue 2020 Ford Explorer cruiser with its emergency lights on when it was struck from behind by a 2023 Mercedes-Benz sedan. Police identified the driver of the Mercedes as Priscilla Eydra Kifayatullah, 31, of Germantown, Wisconsin.

The crash caused significant damage to both vehicles. Police said Kifayatullah and Trooper Caldeira were transported to York Hospital for evaluation of possible minor injuries.

The turnpike remained open, but traffic was significantly backed up because only one lane was available for travel for approximately one hour. Police said the scene has since been cleared and traffic is flowing normally.

Maine State Police said they were assisted at the scene by the Maine Turnpike Authority, York Fire Department, Ogunquit Fire Department, Wells Fire Department, and National Wrecker Service. The incident remains under investigation.

Police also noted the crash serves as a reminder of Maine’s “Move Over” law, which applies to any stopped vehicle displaying flashing lights or hazard lights. Drivers are required to move into the adjacent lane when it is safe to do so, or slow down and proceed with caution if a lane change is not possible.

Police said the initial crash involved a vehicle sliding off into the median and that there were no injuries to the driver in that incident.

Credit: Maine State Police