Montana Sheriff’s Deputy Hit by Patrol Car During Blizzard

Authorities say a Missoula County sheriff's deputy is recovering after a motorist hit a patrol car that then struck him.

Officials say Deputy William Newsom was trying to close part of Interstate 90 west of Missoula during a Sunday blizzard when a pickup truck failed to follow a detour and struck a patrol car. Sheriff's department spokeswoman Paige Pavalone tells the Missoulian that the patrol car then hit the deputy, who was treated for a possible concussion.

Newsom's relatives say he was dragged about 15 feet under the patrol car. The driver of the pickup was cited for careless driving. That person's name was not immediately available.

Authorities say the collision was one of three involving emergency vehicles during Sunday's storm, which left roads icy and created whiteout conditions.