On July 27, 2024, around 3:08 a.m., state troopers from Troop G – Bridgeport responded to a car accident on I-95 southbound near Exit 17 in Westport.

At the scene, a stationary State Police cruiser with its emergency lights on, assigned to Trooper Galej (#1158), was positioned in the left lane.

A 2015 Kia Sorrento, driven by Sonny Abdul-Hardy (born February 21, 1977), was traveling in the left lane and failed to slow down or move over. Abdul-Hardy’s vehicle hit the rear of the stationary police cruiser.

Trooper Galej was outside his vehicle at the time of the accident and was not injured.

Abdul-Hardy was treated on-site by Norwalk EMS for minor injuries but refused to be transported to a hospital.

Both the cruiser and the Kia were towed away due to severe damage.

Abdul-Hardy received a ticket for following too closely and failing to move over for an emergency vehicle, violating Connecticut’s “Move Over” law.

The Connecticut State Police remind drivers to be extra careful when approaching police, fire, EMS, Department of Transportation vehicles, and tow trucks. These operators are working to keep highways safe.

Remember, Connecticut law requires drivers to slow down and move over for stationary emergency vehicles on the highway.