State troopers are searching for a 29-year-old Detroit woman who allegedly rear-ended a Michigan State Police cruiser on the northbound Lodge Freeway near Schaefer on Sunday night, then took off running before investigators could reach her. The impact shoved the parked patrol car into the concrete barrier, while the suspect's Jeep shot across multiple travel lanes and smashed into the center median. The trooper behind the wheel was checked out at the scene, taken to a local hospital as a precaution, and was not believed to be seriously hurt, authorities said.
What officials say
Michigan State Police say the trooper was investigating an earlier crash and had his patrol car parked on the right shoulder with emergency lights flashing when the Jeep hit it around 7:50 p.m., according to FOX 2 Detroit. The force of the rear-end collision pushed the cruiser into the freeway wall, and the Jeep then crossed all three travel lanes before striking the center median, police said. The driver got out of the wrecked Jeep and ran from the scene before investigators arrived.
Trooper's condition and warning
First Lt. Mike Shaw said the trooper was evaluated at the scene by Detroit EMS and "cleared," though he was still taken to a nearby hospital for further evaluation, CBS Detroit reported. Shaw used the crash as yet another reminder for drivers to slow down and move over when they see emergency vehicles with flashing lights on the shoulder. Michigan State Police say the investigation into the collision is ongoing.
Search for the suspect
Authorities have identified the driver as a 29-year-old woman from Detroit and say troopers are actively trying to track her down. They are asking anyone with information on her whereabouts or the crash itself to contact the agency. The Jeep, heavily damaged, was left behind at the scene while investigators canvassed the area for witnesses and any available video that might show what happened. Local reporting indicates the department plans to refer the case to prosecutors once troopers finish gathering evidence and conducting interviews.
Legal implications and how to help
Michigan's Move Over law requires drivers to slow down and, if possible, move over a lane for stationary authorized emergency vehicles with lights activated. Violations can result in fines, license points and tougher penalties if a responder is injured, according to guidance from the Michigan State Police. State law also requires drivers involved in a crash to stop, identify themselves and offer reasonable help. Leaving the scene can be charged as a crime, with penalties that increase if someone is hurt, legal experts note in local practice guides. If you witnessed the crash or have dash-cam or surveillance footage from the area, contact 911 or your nearest Michigan State Police post so investigators can follow up.
