ST. LOUIS, Gratiot County, Mich., Nov. 3, 2026 — A St. Louis police officer and two other people were hurt early Sunday morning, November 1, in a crash at North Main Street and Washington Avenue, according to the Gratiot County Sheriff's Office.
The crash happened at about 1:22 a.m. at the intersection, the sheriff's office said. A southbound vehicle was approaching the intersection when it collided with an eastbound St. Louis Police Department patrol vehicle passing through, according to preliminary findings from investigators.
The officer suffered serious injuries that were not considered life-threatening. The two people in the other vehicle also sustained non-life-threatening injuries. All three were taken to a local hospital for treatment.
The Gratiot County Sheriff's Office is investigating with help from accident reconstruction specialists and a traffic crash reconstructionist from the Michigan State Police. Investigators cautioned that the findings so far are preliminary and could change as the investigation continues. The Alma Police Department, the St. Louis Area Fire Department, and MMR also responded to help with medical treatment and traffic control at the scene.
Authorities continue reviewing the crash. We hope everyone who was hurt makes a speedy recovery.
Intersection Crashes in Michigan
This crash happened at North Main Street and Washington Avenue in St. Louis, MI. Our Michigan intersections page covers intersection crashes across Michigan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What steps should drivers take after being in an intersection crash?
Move to safety if possible, call 911, exchange information with the other driver, and seek medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor, since some symptoms appear later.
What injuries commonly result from intersection crashes?
These crashes usually cause whiplash, head and chest injuries, and broken bones, particularly when one vehicle strikes another broadside.
What usually causes crashes at intersections?
Common causes include failing to yield the right of way, running a red light or stop sign, distracted driving, and misjudging the speed of oncoming traffic.
Does speed affect how severe an intersection crash is?
Yes. Higher speeds increase the force of impact, which raises the likelihood of serious injury and makes vehicles harder to control before a collision.
