Minnesota State Patrol Suffers Rash Of Squad Crashes

ST. PAUL (AP) - The Minnesota State Patrol says it has four damaged squad cars in recent days thanks to motorists who have slid into patrol cars on shoulders.

The four troopers involved weren't seriously hurt. But patrol officials say it's a good time for a reminder that people need to slow down and move over if possible when they see flashing lights.

The first incident happened Friday on Interstate 94 near the Wisconsin border, when a truck rear-ended an idled squad.

The other crashes have happened in northern Olmsted County, Willow River and Maplewood. At least one involved slippery road conditions.

All of last year, there were 19 parked patrol squads that were hit.

The warning comes as the latest round of snow hit Minnesota, making for treacherous conditions in some places.