Semi driver arrested for reckless driving after crashing into Michigan State Police car on I-75
(CBS DETROIT) — A semi-truck driver was arrested for reckless driving after he crashed into a Michigan State Police patrol car on southbound I-75 in Royal Oak overnight Thursday.
The crash happened around 12:05 a.m. on southbound I-75 near 11 Mile Road when three troopers were investigating a multi-car crash near the 11 Mile ramp.
Two troopers were standing on the left shoulder, speaking with drivers involved in the crash, and a third trooper was writing an incident report in their patrol car when the semi-truck driver attempted to pass slowing traffic in the left lane, police said.
With troopers blocking the left lane and left shoulder, the truck driver reportedly applied the tractor and trailer brakes, causing the driver to lose control. The semi-truck then struck a patrol car, sending it more than 100 yards into the rear of an unoccupied patrol car.
The semi-truck continued on the left shoulder in the direction of two troopers and a tow truck operator. The troopers and the tow truck driver jumped over a median wall to avoid the semi.
The truck continued into the crash scene and struck an unoccupied vehicle from the original crash.
A trooper who was inside the patrol car that was struck was taken to an area hospital for minor injuries and was released. No one else was injured in the crash.
"This incident had everything we have been talking about this last month," said MSP Lt. Mike Shaw. "First, a crash caused by risky driving behavior. Second, a driver going too fast, failing to move over for emergency vehicles and striking the patrol cars and people on the scene. Finally, responding troopers had to remove pedestrians from the freeway ramps who were trying to take photos for their favorite social media platform. We are continuing to ask drivers to slow down, move over, drive safe and please do not walk on the freeway."
The freeway was closed for the crash investigations and has since reopened.
