Ludowici Police Chief Robert Poppell is being evaluated at an area hospital after his patrol car was struck this morning on Highway 84.

The accident happened about 9:30 a.m.

According to the Ludowici Police Department, Poppell was running a plate reader on his vehicle while parked in the center lane of Highway 84 near the city’s west end.

The driver of a white utility truck allegedly fell asleep and crossed into the turning lane, striking the patrol car.

The driver of the truck was reportedly not injured.

Poppell’s patrol car erupted in flames as a result of the impact.

The accident backed up traffic eastbound for quite some time.