Truck Driver Becomes a Highway Hero After Stopping a Shooter
New York Trucker Honored for Brave Actions on Interstate 88
A courageous truck driver from New York has been recognized as a true highway hero after using his massive 18-wheeler to block a shooter who had just wounded a state trooper.
Timothy VanNostrand, a logging truck operator, demonstrated extraordinary bravery on Interstate 88 in June 2023 when he intervened in a chaotic and dangerous highway shootout—an act that earned him the prestigious Goodyear Highway Hero Award.
A High-Speed Encounter Turns into a Life-Saving Decision
VanNostrand, the owner of a logging transport company in Northville, New York, is no stranger to high-risk work, but the dangers he typically faces involve heavy timber—not bullets.
As he was preparing to pass a state trooper who had pulled over a vehicle, he witnessed a shocking turn of events.
“It happened so fast,” VanNostrand told Fox News Digital. “I wasn’t 100% sure what I saw at first, but I saw the trooper kind of skip sideways a little bit.”
It quickly became clear—the driver of the stopped vehicle had drawn a gun and was firing at the trooper. What followed was a terrifying 12-minute exchange of gunfire, with bullets flying as backup raced to the scene.
Taking Action: Blocking the Shooter’s Escape
Realizing the danger unfolding before him, VanNostrand made a split-second decision that could have cost him his life—but ultimately saved others.
He maneuvered his massive logging truck in front of the shooter’s car, pinning the suspect against the roadside and preventing an escape.
Although details about the shooter’s fate remain unclear, his rampage was brought to an end thanks to VanNostrand’s intervention. Backup officers soon arrived on the scene to secure the situation.
Honored as a Highway Hero
For his remarkable courage, VanNostrand was honored by the New York State Police and received the Goodyear Highway Hero Award—a recognition given to truck drivers who go above and beyond in protecting others on the road.
“The Goodyear Highway Hero Award is one way Goodyear recognizes the importance of the commercial trucking industry, which helps move 72.5% of the U.S. economy’s goods,” said Joe Burke, Vice President of Goodyear North America Commercial Business.
Beyond recognition, VanNostrand received a cash prize and a once-in-a-lifetime ride in the iconic Goodyear blimp.
A Humble Hero Who Stands by His Actions
Despite his heroic act, VanNostrand remains modest.
“Most of the people I know and work with would do the same thing,” he said. “We all look out for each other, and 99% of us are looking out for everybody else too.”
Though the intense moments of the shootout gave him plenty of time for second thoughts, he remains confident he made the right call.
“It turned out it was the right decision.”
Why This Story Matters
Timothy VanNostrand’s bravery serves as a reminder of the everyday heroes who keep our roads and communities safe. His quick thinking under pressure not only protected law enforcement but likely saved lives.
Would you step up in a moment of crisis? Stories like these inspire us to think about the power of courage, community, and doing the right thing—even in the face of danger.
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