EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) – A state trooper was seriously injured in a crash on Highway 115 late Wednesday afternoon.

According to the Colorado State Patrol (CSP), Officer Tyler Atkins rear-ended his patrol SUV at 3:44 p.m. while investigating a crash a few miles southwest of Colorado Springs.

Photos released by CSP show that in addition to the SUV, the Nissan Sentra that was rear-ended was also heavily damaged.

Atkins, who was inside the SUV at the time, was taken to UCHealth Memorial Central with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

CSP later confirmed that Atkins was treated at the hospital and released a few hours later to continue recovering at home.

According to CSP, the driver who caused the crash remained at the scene. The unidentified driver was believed to be drunk at the time.

“What else do we need to say to convince drivers to pay attention?” Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol, said in a statement: “If you are behind the wheel, you must be sober, your eyes must be up, and it is your responsibility to keep everyone on the road safe. There is no warning not to pull over, impaired driving, only long-term consequences.” Do it and focus on the task at hand. Our families, our lives, and your safety depend on it.”

CSP said this is the 11th time a state patrol vehicle has been hit this year and the second this month.

Both sides of the highway remained closed for approximately two hours.

The scene was finally cleared around 7:15, allowing drivers to continue traveling in both directions between Colorado Springs and Penrose.