A state trooper was hurt Thursday when a driver punched them in the face during a traffic stop on the Southern State Parkway, state police say.

The incident happened when the trooper stopped 33-year-old Calith Hudson, of Queens, for an expired Connecticut registration at Exit 18.

Officials say as the trooper approached the vehicle on the passenger side, Hudson became verbally combative. When the trooper asked Hudson for his driver's license, the suspect threw his license to the ground and exited the vehicle. Hudson then struck the trooper in the face after ignoring commands to stay in the vehicle.

A physical altercation ensued and with the assistance of several good Samaritans, the trooper was eventually able to get Hudson into custody.

Both the trooper and Hudson were taken to hospitals and treated for injuries not considered to be life-threatening.

Hudson was charged with assault, resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration.