Deadly rollover on I-96 in Livonia: Hartland man killed, officer injured

43-year-old driver may have suffered medical emergency, police say

A 43-year-old man was killed when his vehicle struck a police car on westbound I-96 in Livonia on July 23, 2017. (WDIV)

LIVONIA, Mich. – A crash which closed westbound I-96 in Livonia and stifled traffic for hours on Sunday killed a 43-year-old Hartland man and injured a police officer. 

Livonia police said the man's vehicle crossed all lanes of westbound I-96 about 11:30 a.m. between Merriman and Middlebelt roads before rear-ending a patrol vehicle and rolling over. The crash impact caused the patrol vehicle to strike the officer, who was standing out side of the vehicle while conducting a traffic stop on the shoulder of the interstate. 

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The officer was thrown backward onto the pavement. He was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. He is scheduled to undergo surgery on Monday. 

The westbound side of the interstate was closed for hours between Merriman and Middlebelt roads. 

Driver may have suffered medical emergency

Police believe the Hartland man suffered a medical emergency before his vehicle veered into the officer's patrol car. He was traveling alone. 

"The vehicle that struck the patrol car rolled over after impact and the driver sustained significant trauma and was trapped in the vehicle. He was pronounced deceased at the scene," Livonia Police Chief Curtis Caid said in a statement. 

Chief Caid rushed to the crash scene. 

"On behalf of the Livonia Police Department, our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. Within a couple minutes, I was at the scene of the crash and the injured officer was conscious and alert. The responding firefighters were outstanding and remained at the scene supporting our officers until nearly 6:30 p.m. at which time the scene was cleared. Please continue to pray for and support our officers and all first responders, who are committed to serving our community," Caid said in a statement. 

No other injuries were reported. 

Stay with ClickOnDetroit for more information as it becomes available. 

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