STONINGTON, Conn. (WTNH) — A 21-year veteran of the Stonington Police Department was flown to the hospital with serious injuries after a vehicle struck his patrol car, sending it into the sergeant.

Stonington Deputy Chief Todd Olson said officers received a 911 call for a two-car crash around 11:15 a.m. Monday. According to Olson, a car traveling eastbound on Route 184 hit a parked cruiser.

Sgt. Mario Ritacco was standing outside his cruiser, working an off-duty detail, when it was hit. It appeared that the vehicle spun around and struck the sergeant, police said.

Ritacco was conscious when he was flown via LifeStar to a Rhode Island hospital. As of Tuesday, he is considered to be in stable condition and is improving. The driver of the car that hit the cruiser was also taken to a local hospital.

“We ask motorists to keep their attention to emergency vehicles, DOT workers, anyone who may be working on the road, so that everybody can stay safe, including the operators of the vehicles,” Olson said.

Residents say more needs to be done to improve road safety.

“People drive so fast on 184, and again, it’s so easy to get caught in the speed, but it’s fast. There needs to be either a four-way light or a stop sign on the other side,” resident Caitlin Serra said.

Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the crash. It’s unclear at this time if any charges will be filed.

The report below is from News 8 at 11 on Feb. 20, 2023.