Injured Trooper Thanking Those Who Have Helped Him Recover

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — A South Dakota Highway Patrol trooper recovering from injuries sustained during a traffic stop assault near Rapid City issued a statement on thanking those who have helped him on his road to recovery.

The state Department of Public Safety says that 10-year veteran Zachary Bader was assaulted October 24th while making a traffic stop on Interstate 90 east of Rapid City.

Four Washington state residents are charged in the incident. The most serious charges are against 33-year-old Donald Willingham, who's accused of attempted murder. Authorities say they recovered more than 50 pounds of marijuana, $33,000 in cash and a handgun after the incident.

Bader thanked everyone who helped him at the scene, those who visited him in the hospital and those who have helped him since his Nov. 6 release.

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