Kentucky State Police Investigates a Two-Vehicle Collision

DORTON, Ky. (Aug. 24, 2026) – The Kentucky State Police (KSP) Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) has been requested by Post 9 Pikeville to investigate a collision involving a trooper in the Dorton Community on Aug. 22, 2026.

The preliminary investigation indicates Troopers Mitchell Culbertson and Cameron Whitaker were in the Dorton community, where they parked their cruisers in the median of U.S. 23 to conduct highway safety enforcement.

At approximately 1:20 a.m., a Utility-Task Vehicle (UTV) collided with the rear of Trooper Culbertson‘s cruiser. Trooper Culbertson sustained a laceration to the back of his head and was transported to Pikeville Medical Center for treatment. The UTV operator, James Honaker, 28, of Virginia, sustained severe injuries and was also transported to Pikeville Medical Center.

Trooper Culbertson has since been released from the hospital. Mr. Honaker remains hospitalized in serious condition.

The investigation remains ongoing and is being led by KSP CIRT Detective Randy Combs.

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