Livonia officer injured, man killed in I-96 crash, police say

Hartland man, 43, crashes into back of patrol car

LIVONIA, Mich. – The Livonia Police Department said one of its officers was conducting a traffic stop on the right shoulder of westbound Interstate 96 when a vehicle driven by a 43-year-old Hartland man rear-ended the patrol vehicle Sunday between Merriman and Middlebelt roads.

[View: Traffic | Scroll down to see video from the scene]

Police said the Hartland man's vehicle crossed all lanes of traffic, slammed into the patrol car and rolled. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The department said the impact of the crash caused the patrol vehicle to move, striking the officer, who was thrown backward into the pavement He was taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. He is scheduled to have surgery Monday.

Police said the man who was fatally injured may have experienced a medical emergency, but they are still investigating.

"Our deepest condolences (go)to the family of the deceased," Livonia Police Chief Curtis Caid said.

The westbound lanes of I-96 were shut down for several hours, but were reopened Sunday evening.

Police said the investigation will continue for days.

No other injuries were reported.

Stay with ClickOnDetroit for updates.


About the Author:

Dawn Jorgenson, Graham Media Group Branded Content Managing Editor, began working with the group in April 2013. She graduated from Texas State University with a degree in electronic media.