MONROE COUNTY, Mich. – A serious crash has left several people in critical condition after a high-speed pursuit in Monroe County.
The incident occurred on Thursday (June 26) at the intersection of S. Dixie Highway and Luna Pier Road in Erie Township at 2:27 p.m.
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A preliminary investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office revealed that, before the reported crash, Erie Township police had conducted a traffic stop on a white 2013 Ford Focus near the intersection of Suder Road and Dean Road for careless driving.
Officials said after the Ford came to a halt, the Erie Township officer approached the Ford to make contact with the vehicle’s operator.
While doing so, police said the Ford operator fled from the traffic stop.
The Erie Township officer began to pursue the Ford; however, shortly thereafter, it was reported that the pursuit was terminated due to the operator’s reckless driving.
After confirming it was the same 2013 Ford Focus that fled from the Erie Township officer, police said the white 2013 Ford Focus was traveling northbound on S. Dixie Highway.
Police said that as it entered the intersection of Luna Pier Road, the operator of the white Ford disregarded the red traffic signal for northbound and southbound S. Dixie Highway.
Officials said the white 2013 Ford then struck a gray 2012 Ford Focus that was traveling westbound on Luna Pier Road.
It was reported that four occupants were in the white 2013 Ford, and two occupants were in the 2012 gray Ford.
Police stated that speed was a contributing factor in the crash. Alcohol involvement is unknown at this time.
Both operators and all passengers were transported to Toledo area hospitals, where they were listed in critical condition.
Officials stated that the airbags in both Fords were deployed at the time of the crash. Seat belt use was unknown.
The crash remains under investigation by Lieutenant Brian Quinn and Deputy Sheriffs Cody Carena, Hunter Chirillo, and Alec Preadmore of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Services Division.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 734-240-7548 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-Speak-Up.
All tips to Crime Stoppers are anonymous. Click here to submit a tip online.