SALISBURY — A Massachusetts State Police trooper was seriously injured Saturday after a driver — allegedly on his phone — slammed into his cruiser on Interstate 95.

The trooper had pulled over with his emergency lights flashing to remove a ladder from the left lane around 2:15 p.m. He moved the hazard, got back into his cruiser, and buckled his seatbelt.

Seconds later, he was hit.

"It happened suddenly and without warning," State Police said.

Suspect was on his phone

The driver, identified as Josue Levi Cuevas Santana of Lawrence, was allegedly using his cellphone at the time of the crash.

Santana was taken to Lawrence General Hospital. He now faces criminal charges including:

• Negligent operation
• Speeding
• Using a mobile device while driving
• Failure to move over for emergency vehicle

Trooper released from hospital

The injured trooper was rushed to Portsmouth Regional Hospital in New Hampshire with serious injuries. State Police announced Monday that he has been released and is recovering at home.

His identity has not been released.

'Outcome could have been even more tragic'

State Police Col. Geoffrey Noble issued a stark warning to Massachusetts drivers.

"If not for this Trooper's decision to wear his seatbelt, the outcome could have been even more tragic," Noble said.

"Far too often, drivers fail in their responsibility to slow down and move over when approaching emergency vehicles displaying their lights. This law exists to protect lives."

Police said they are also investigating where the ladder came from in the first place.