DETROIT (WWJ) — An investigation is underway after a man was hit and killed by a semi-truck on the Southfield Freeway Tuesday afternoon on Detroit’s west side.
The incident happened shortly before 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 3 along the southbound lanes of M-39 near Joy Road, according to Michigan State Police.
The preliminary investigation revealed a Detroit police car was responding to an unrelated incident in the area when they were flagged down by someone who told them there was a “suspicious male in the area topside,” MSP officials said.
When the patrol car turned around to make contact with the man, he jumped over the freeway fence onto the west side of the southbound side, according to MSP.
He was then hit by a semi-truck in the center lane, then hit by a Ford Edge, officials said.
The 44-year-old Detroit man was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His name has not been released.
MSP officials say the investigation is ongoing and an autopsy will be performed.
Authorities did not release any further information about the incident, including what prompted the witness to tell police the man was acting suspiciously.
The freeway was closed for about three hours during the initial investigation, but it has since reopened.
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