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.
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Categories: Police Reports
I’ve had a lot of friends who are LEOs. One common denominator is tailgating. I don’t know if that was the case this time, but it wouldn’t surprise me.
Hey Super Troopers 3 just coming out.
Just wondering if those ruts in the right lane (from running studded tires I think in the warmer months) contributed to this. Anyway they cause channels of water and I hydroplaned on them before.
The ruts are primarily from the heavy truck traffic I believe. Don’t think they are as bad in the left lane, where the state police normally travel.
Studded tires are a great safety feature saving a lot of winter havoc. The ruts worn in the interstate are from a lot of traffic and a little maintenance. I do not own any studded tires but have used them at times in the past. Spend some of that safe injection site money and do some paving.
The weatherman always tells you to stay home when the weather is bad. Comment from Richard Day.
Trooper couldn’t find any fire trucks 🚒 to run into?