By VDC staff

A car driven by Chief Meteorologist Tyler Jankoski of NBC 5 (WPTZ-TV) in South Burlington was rear-ended by a Vermont State Police cruiser – and yes, some blame goes to the weather.

 State Police said Trooper Michael Maldonado, 22, of Berlin was headed to an earlier car crash when his southbound cruiser began to hydroplane on rain-soaked Interstate 89 in Williamstown about 11:15 a.m. Saturday.

His 2025 Ford Explorer cruiser crashed into the rear of Jankoski’s sedan and continued off the shoulder of the roadway, Sgt. Jacqueline June said.  It was cloudy and rainy.

The taxpayer-owned police cruiser was demolished, June said.  Maldonado was examined at Central Vermont Medical Center for minor injuries.

Jankoski, 33, of Burlington also had minor injuries, police said.

His 2014 Honda Civic was towed from the scene, police said.

Jankoski was headed to the Little League Baseball East Region Tournament in Bristol, Conn., where he has been a volunteer and public address announcer in his hometown since 2004 along with family members.  He had chatted on air with veteran News Anchor Brian Colleran during the 11 p.m. Friday newscast on NBC 5 about heading out Saturday morning to volunteer in Bristol again this year in Bristol.