River Rouge officer blindsided during traffic stop

RIVER ROUGE, Mich. – A River Rouge police officer was injured Wednesday when a vehicle crashed into his cruiser during a traffic stop on West Jefferson Avenue.

Officer Richard Morofski stopped a semi-truck for speeding at about noon. While in his cruiser writing the semi driver a ticket, a car slammed into the side of the cruiser.

“The term ‘routine traffic stop’ needs to be wiped out,” Sergeant Dasumo Mitchell said. “As you can see there is no such thing as a routine traffic stop.”

The officer hit his head on the steering wheel. He was released from the hospital but is not back to work.

The 18-year-old Woodhaven teen was taken to the hospital where his blood was drawn for evidence. Investigators believe the driver may have shot up and heroin and had passed out behind the wheel.

The teen was released from the hospital and has not yet been charged, though charges are expected. He is cooperating with investigators.


About the Author:

Local 4 Defender Shawn Ley is an Emmy award-winning journalist who has been with Local 4 News for more than a decade.