CLARKSTON (WWJ) – A trooper remains hospitalized after authorities say a teen driver fell asleep behind the wheel and struck a patrol car on the side of I-75 during a traffic stop Wednesday evening.
Michigan State Police released an update on Thursday morning stating they've completed their investigation which had closed northbound I-75 at Sashabaw Road just after 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 10th near Clarkston Road.
MSP officials say the trooper was initially at the scene after pulling over a driver suspected of operating a vehicle while impaired. The driver was arrested and was "handcuffed and seat-belted in" in the front passenger seat of the patrol car at the time of the crash, while the trooper was in the driver’s seat.
A 16-year-old driving a Dodge Durango “drifted onto the right shoulder and struck the patrol car,” officials said. The patrol car was then pushed into the prisoner’s car.
The suspect and trooper both sustained lacerations to their face and were taken to the hospital. The trooper suffered a possible broken arm.
The trooper remains hospitalized and is undergoing further evaluation, MSP said.
No other injuries were reported.
The teen driver was apprehended for reckless driving and released to his mother, troopers added. Speed and impairment were not considered factors.
“We are extremely grateful for everyone who has reached out with their support of the trooper involved in this crash. Again, please wear your seatbelt, it will save your life.” MSP First Lt. Mike Shaw said on social media.
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