Photo courtesy of North Dakota Highway Patrol

BISMARCK, N.D. (NDHP) – In the early morning hours on Sunday, March 10, 2024, right around when the time changed to Standard Time from 2:00 am to 3:00 am, a North Dakota Highway Patrol car was struck head-on by a vehicle traveling the wrong way on US-83 near the Costco in north Bismarck.

A NDHP Trooper was parked stationary in the median on US-83 near Brookside Lane when he observed a 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix traveling south in the northbound lane. The trooper activated his red emergency lights and drove into the roadway to get the driver’s attention. Another vehicle took evasive action to avoid a collision. As the Pontiac got closer to the Highway Patrol vehicle with emergency lights activated, it drifted toward the median but swerved back into the roadway, striking the trooper’s vehicle head on. The front airbags deployed on both vehicles.

The trooper sustained minor injuries and did not get transported to the hospital. The driver and passenger of the Pontiac were both transported to the hospital by Metro Ambulance with unknown injuries.

The driver of the Pontiac was identified as Steven Kessel of Bismarck. He was charged with DUI, reckless endangerment, and driving with a suspended driver’s license. The passenger was identified to be Nathan Lavallie of Mandan.

The crash is being investigated by the Bismarck Police Department and Burleigh County Sheriff’s office. The Highway Patrol is providing technical assistance in the investigation.