Trooper hit by a car during traffic stop and killed

LANSING, Mich. (WILX/WNEM/Gray News) - A Michigan State Police trooper was killed after being hit by a car during a traffic stop on Interstate 75 Wednesday night, authorities confirmed.

“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 Michigan State Police. “I ask that you please keep his family, fellow troopers and all whose lives he has touched in your thoughts.”

According to Michigan State Police, at 7:12 p.m. Wednesday, Popp, 39, and other troopers were investigating a suspected impaired driver stopped in a curved lane of traffic.

While investigating, a vehicle driven by an 81-year-old man struck two patrol cars and Popp, who was outside of his patrol car at the time.

Popp was taken to Hurley Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.

The 81-year-old driver has serious injuries but is expected to survive.

Popp, of the Tri-City Post, enlisted with the Michigan State Police in January of 2020. He is survived by his wife Stefanie and a young daughter.

Popp is the 56th Michigan State Police Trooper to be killed in the line of duty.