WARREN, Mich. – A Warren police car was hit on Sunday afternoon as officers were responding to a single-car crash on I-696, police said.
Two Warren officers responded to westbound I-696 near Mound Road on Sunday, Dec. 28, after receiving a report of a crash.
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They were on the left shoulder of the freeway in a fully marked Chevrolet Tahoe, and they had the overhead emergency lighting activated to alert oncoming traffic, according to a release from the police department.
Shortly after the officers arrived, their patrol car was hit from behind.
An investigation revealed that a 75-year-old man in a white Chevrolet Traverse was traveling at a speed that was not appropriate for the road conditions.
This caused the driver to lose control and crash into the back of the police car.
Both vehicles were moderately damaged. No one was injured.
Authorities say drugs and alcohol were not factors in the crash.
The 75-year-old man was issued a citation.
“This incident was entirely preventable and serves as a stark reminder of the risks our officers face every time they step out of their vehicles,” said Warren Police Commissioner Eric Hawkins. “While we are profoundly grateful that no one was seriously injured or killed in this collision, we know all too well that these situations frequently end in the loss of a first responder’s life. Our goal is for others to learn from this incident and make sure it does not happen again.”
The Warren Police Department is using this as a reminder for drivers to be cautious during winter weather conditions. Police are also reminding people to be aware of the state’s “Move Over” law, and to yield to emergency vehicles and move over when possible.