A Roanoke Rapids man is in serious but stable condition at Vidant Medical Center in Greenville after the tractor he was driving Monday afternoon was struck by a state Highway Patrol trooper responding to a wreck on Highway 158.

Trooper A.A. Lucas, who struck 79-year-old Wilson Jarrell, was treated and released for minor injuries, Sergeant B.W. Overton said this afternoon.

The crash occurred at approximately 4:30 p.m. about two-tenths of a mile west of Everett’s School Road.

Lucas was heading to a three-vehicle wreck on Highway 158 with blue lights and siren on. Trooper Scott Richardson followed him.

Overton said evidence suggests that Jarrell, who was driving a tractor east on Highway 158, was attempting to make a left turn onto private property when he was struck by the trooper.

Overton said evidence suggests that Lucas heavily applied his brakes and turned to the right to avoid a collision but struck the tractor on the right side.

It is unclear whether Jarrell was ejected but evidence showed it rolled over at least once.

The crash remains under investigation by the patrol’s reconstruction team, whose report will be turned into the Halifax County District Attorney’s Office.

The district attorney will determine whether charges will be filed against Jarrell or Lucas.

Overton said state Highway Patrol administration would determine whether Lucas is placed on desk duty pending the outcome of the investigation.