Detroit, MI (March 9, 2026) – A Michigan State Police trooper was injured on Sunday morning, March 8, when a patrol car was struck while parked at a crash scene on eastbound Interstate 96 near Outer Drive.
The crash occurred around 4:15 a.m., roughly an hour after troopers had been investigating a deadly collision in the area. The patrol car was stationary with emergency lights activated when it was hit on the passenger side by another vehicle.
The trooper sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. The driver of the other vehicle, a woman, refused medical care. During her interview, investigators determined she was impaired by both alcohol and narcotics, and she was arrested. Charges are still under review by the prosecutor.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash, and more details will be released as they become available.
Our thoughts are with the injured trooper as he recovers.
Why Parked Patrol Vehicles Are at Risk on Highways
Stationary patrol vehicles on highways face a heightened risk of being struck due to reduced reaction time for passing drivers. Emergency lights help improve visibility, but distracted or impaired drivers may still fail to notice the vehicle in time.
Highway crashes near closures or incidents often involve multiple lanes of moving traffic, making even a small misjudgment dangerous. Speed, impaired driving, and road conditions are common factors in secondary collisions.
Emergency responders must balance scene management, safety, and medical care while preventing further accidents. Wearing seatbelts and following safe driving practices are critical for both troopers and motorists in these situations.
