(CBS-DETROIT) – A truck driver was arrested for reckless driving after crashing into a Michigan State Police patrol car on southbound I-75 in Royal Oak Thursday night.
The crash occurred around 12:05 a.m. on southbound I-75 near 11 Mile Road as three troopers were investigating a multi-car crash near the 11 Mile on-ramp.
Two troopers stood on the left shoulder talking to the drivers involved in the crash, and a third trooper was writing an incident report in their patrol car when the truck driver tried to pass slowing traffic in the left lane, police said.
As troopers blocked the left lane and left shoulder, the truck driver reportedly slowed the tractor and trailer, 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 toward two troopers and a tow truck operator. The troopers and the tow truck driver jumped a median wall to avoid the semi.
The truck continued to the scene of the accident and struck an unoccupied vehicle from the original crash.
A soldier who was in the struck patrol car was taken to an area hospital with minor injuries and released. No one else was injured in the crash.
“This incident had everything we’ve been talking about for the past month,” said MSP Lt. Mike Shaw. “Firstly, an accident caused by risky driving behavior. Secondly, a driver who drove too fast, failed to pass emergency vehicles and hit patrol cars and people on the scene. Finally, emergency services had to clear pedestrians from highway ramps who were trying to take photos for their favorite social media platform. We continue to ask motorists to slow down, swerve, drive safely and please avoid walking on the highway.”
The highway was closed for the investigation into the crash and has since reopened.
