ND Highway Patrol
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What: Injury crash
Where: southbound Interstate 29, approximately 2 miles south of Buxton, ND
When: 01/28/2024, approximately 7:45 PM
Road Conditions: Good
Weather Conditions: Clear
Crash Involvement: Vehicle/Vehicle
Type of Crash: Rear-end
Agencies Involved: NDHP, Traill County Sheriff’s Office, Buxton Fire, West Traill Ambulance
Vehicle No. 1: 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe
Driver No. 1: Body Cota; male; age 24; of Bemidji, MN; minor injuries
Restraints: Seat belt in use; air bags deployed
Charges: DUI, unlawful possession of controlled substances and paraphernalia
Vehicle No. 2: 2022 Ford Explorer (Traill County Sheriff’s Office patrol car)
Driver No. 2: none, vehicle unoccupied
Restraints: N/A
Charges: N/A
NARRATIVE: The Ford Explorer patrol vehicle was parked, unoccupied, at the scene of a
traffic incident on southbound Interstate 29, with emergency lights activated to warn
motorists of the emergency scene and provide traffic control. Other emergency vehicles were
on the scene, and traffic cones were also being used to control traffic.
Cota was driving the Hyundai south on Interstate 29 and failed to take proper precautions as
he approached the emergency scene. The front of his vehicle struck the rear of the Ford
Explorer.
No responders were injured. Cota sustained minor injuries.
The initial incident had been a one-vehicle rollover crash, in which no injuries occurred.
Driving distracted and driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of
alcohol and drugs create hazardous situations on the highways. The Highway Patrol reminds
motorists to drive sober, avoid distractions, and to approach emergency scenes or emergency
vehicles with caution.
