Car Flips, Lands At Steps Of Federal Courthouse In Detroit

DETROIT (WWJ) - A driver slammed into a light pole in downtown Detroit Tuesday morning before his car flipped, landing at the steps of the federal courthouse.

WWJ's Vickie Thomas reported it was a wild scene as Detroit Fire Department crew used the Jaws of Life to pry open the black Chevy's door and were able to pull the driver out.

The driver, described by police as a black male in his 60s, was alert and talking as he was placed on a stretcher and rushed from the scene by EMS to a local hospital.

Agents with the Department of Homeland Security were on site in case the building had been targeted.

"We're being told that, apparently, this is an accident," Thomas said. "But, you know, it's almost just hard to imagine an accident like this."

Detroit Police Sgt. Cassandra Lewis said the man was headed westbound on Fort Street at around 9:15 a.m. when he lost control of his vehicle. Police are not sure why.

"We will check to find out if there was a medical issue, or if it was a malfunction with the car, whatever...We don't know at this point, we're still investigating," Bishop said.

Bishop said the extent of the man's injuries was not immediately known. No one else was hurt.

Fort St. was closed in both directions at Shelby due to the crash.