Kalkaska, MI (September 3, 2025) – A man from Big Rapids is in critical condition following a severe collision early Monday morning involving an armored police vehicle at the intersection of US-131 and M-72 in Kalkaska. The incident occurred just before 6:00 a.m. as law enforcement units responded to an active standoff in a neighboring county.
According to the Kalkaska County Sheriff’s Office, the crash involved a Lenco Bearcat armored vehicle being driven by a Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s deputy. The deputy was en route to a report of a barricaded suspect in Bear Lake Township when the armored unit collided with an SUV at the intersection.
The SUV’s driver, 61-year-old Patrick Morlan of Big Rapids, sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, where he remains in critical condition. A passenger in the SUV, 25-year-old Alexandria Cousineau of Eaton Rapids, suffered minor injuries and received treatment at the scene.
Authorities have confirmed that the crash remains under investigation, and no determination has been made regarding contributing factors. Emergency services worked quickly to stabilize the victims and manage the scene, which remained closed for several hours while investigators conducted their initial review.
The armored vehicle was part of the Northern Michigan Mutual Aid Emergency Response Team, which was responding to a standoff involving a suspect accused of firing shots at eight off-road vehicle drivers in Bear Lake Township. That suspect was later taken into custody without further injury to the public.
Our thoughts are with Mr. Morlan, Ms. Cousineau, and their families during this extremely difficult time.
Emergency Response Vehicle Crashes in Michigan
Collisions involving emergency or law enforcement vehicles—especially specialized units like armored transports—present complex challenges, both legally and logistically. Monday’s crash at US-131 and M-72 in Kalkaska underscores the high-speed, high-risk nature of urgent police response and the dangers faced by civilians during these critical deployments.
While emergency vehicles often operate under different traffic allowances during active responses, these privileges still require due care and coordination, especially at major intersections. The intersection where this crash occurred is a key junction in Kalkaska, where visibility and speed can complicate right-of-way decisions even under normal circumstances.
In this case, the use of a Lenco Bearcat—an armored vehicle weighing several tons—intensifies the force of any collision, contributing to the severity of Mr. Morlan’s injuries. The presence of a second occupant in the SUV, who sustained only minor harm, highlights the unpredictable nature of impact dynamics in multi-ton vehicle crashes.
This incident also raises questions about inter-agency response coordination and whether traffic controls or escort protocols were in place during the emergency response. As investigations continue, it will be important for authorities to review not only the cause of the crash but also operational procedures for emergency convoys in populated areas.
For victims and their families, the path forward is often complex. Injuries from such high-impact crashes can lead to extended hospitalizations, long-term rehabilitation, and considerable emotional strain. Navigating the aftermath requires access to both medical and legal support.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash involving an emergency vehicle, understanding your rights and options is essential.
When serious crashes involve emergency vehicles, the road to recovery can feel overwhelming. At Local Accident Reports, we connect victims and families with the trusted support they need—from medical resources to legal guidance. If you’ve been affected by a collision like the one in Kalkaska, don’t wait. Contact us today to find the help you need to take the next step forward.
