Highland Park, MI (May 18, 2026) – Two Michigan State Police patrol cars were struck by motorists suspected of driving impaired on the same weekend, in separate incidents in the Detroit area. Fortunately, no troopers were injured in either crash.
The first incident occurred in the early morning hours of Sunday, May 17, on westbound Interstate 696 near Woodward Avenue. A trooper had stopped a Honda that was heading directly toward his patrol car. While the trooper was speaking with the Honda’s driver, a Kia approached at high speed and struck the parked patrol car from behind. The trooper jumped over a concrete barrier to avoid being hit.
The Kia’s driver, a 29-year-old man from Auburn Hills, was arrested for driving impaired. The Honda’s driver, a 22-year-old woman, was not impaired but was cited for careless driving after it was determined she had been adjusting her contact lenses while driving.
The second crash took place later that same day on the eastbound Davison Freeway near Second Avenue in Highland Park. Troopers had responded to a motorcycle crash involving a 30-year-old Clawson resident who had struck a stalled vehicle. While they were on scene, a Chevy Malibu struck an unoccupied patrol car that had been positioned to protect the area. The Malibu’s driver showed signs of impairment and became combative before being taken into custody. The incident remains under review by authorities.
Our thoughts are with the motorcyclist injured in the initial crash as he recovers.
What Puts Emergency Responders at Risk on Michigan Highways?
Emergency responders working crash scenes on Michigan freeways face a serious secondary risk from passing traffic. When a patrol car or emergency vehicle is parked on a highway shoulder or blocking lanes, it creates a visible barrier, but drivers who are impaired, distracted, or speeding may not react in time. This type of secondary crash is a known and recurring hazard across the state.
Michigan’s Move Over law requires drivers to slow down and change lanes when passing stopped emergency vehicles. Despite this law, patrol cars are still struck at active scenes with some regularity. Impairment and distraction are frequently cited as contributing factors in these incidents, making them both preventable and particularly concerning for the safety of first responders.
