Driver blames road rage for fatal Monroe County crash on I-75

Man ejected from truck, dies in I-75 crash in Monroe County; Sheriff's department investigates

FRENCHTOWN TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A man whose father died in a pickup truck accident claims the accident was the result of road rage.

Police responded to an accident Tuesday night on southbound Interstate 75 near Nadeau Road in Frenchtown Township and found a pickup pulling a trailer holding a classic car had crashed off the roadway.

Police reported that 69-year-old John Mercurio of Belleville was dead at the scene.

The victim's son, 48-year-old John Mercurio Junior, said he was driving the pickup with his mother in the front passenger seat and father in the rear seat.

The younger Mercurio said another pickup struck their vehicle and both trucks hit the guardrail.

He said he found his father had been ejected from the pickup truck and ended up trapped beneath the other pickup, but the driver of that truck did not get out to help.

"He sat in his vehicle on his cellphone. When the guy finally had the guts or audacity to look at his handiwork, I told him flat out, I know if he doesn't make it, your ass is mine," Mercurio said.

John Mercurio Junior was not injured.  His mother, 66-year-old Laurie Mercurio, was hospitalized with what police described as minor injuries.

Police identified the driver of the other truck as 56-year-old John Zabawa, of Luna Pier.

Despite the accusations made by Mercurio, the Monroe County Sheriff's Department is still investigating and has not yet recommended if any charges should be filed.Â