MI State Trooper Hit, Killed By Car During I-75 Traffic Stop: MSP

SAGINAW COUNTY, MI — A state trooper was hit and killed by a car Wednesday night while conducting a traffic stop on Interstate 75 in Saginaw County, according to Michigan State Police.

Michigan State Police Trooper, Joel Popp of the Tri-City Post, and other troopers were investigating a suspected impaired driver who was stopped on northbound Interstate 75 near Birch Run in a curved lane of travel at 7:12 p.m., police said.

Another motorist, an 81-year-old man, struck two patrol cars and Popp, who was standing outside his patrol cruiser, police said.

Popp was taken to Hurley Medical Center in Flint where he died, police said.

The 81-year-old man was also taken to the hospital with serious injuries, but is expected to survive, police said.

Popp, 39, joined Michigan State Police in 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, according to Michigan State Police.

"This is a message none of us wishes to deliver," Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP said in a news release. "With a very heavy heart I confirm the death of one of our own, Tpr. Joel Popp. I ask that you please keep his family, fellow troopers and all whose lives he has touched in your thoughts."