Indiana trooper back on duty 4 years after crash injuries

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - An Indiana state trooper says he never gave up hope of returning to work despite being badly injured four years ago when a semitrailer sideswiped his patrol car.

Master Trooper Brian Snyder has returned to the overnight shift for the Indianapolis district. That's the shift the 19-year veteran was working when he stopped along Interstate 65 near Whiteland to check on crashes during a March 2013 snowstorm.

Snyder says he saw the semi coming toward him and he dove inside his car. He suffered back and hand injuries and doctors told him he would have to retire. But he persisted through four back surgeries with his goal of returning to duty.

The semi pulled over for a short time after hitting Snyder's car before driving away. Police never located it.