(WWJ) A Michigan State Police trooper is facing charges for his role in a crash that caused a pregnant mother to lose one of her unborn children.
The Genesee County Prosecutor's Office has authorized two criminal counts against trooper Rashaad Cormier of the Flint post: negligent operation of a vehicle causing miscarriage or stillbirth, and moving violation causing serious impairment of bodily function.
An investigation revealed that in the late afternoon of September 14 2020, Cormier made a U-turn on Linden Road in the path of an approaching vehicle, causing a collision. He was on duty and in a marked patrol car at the time.
The other vehicle carried a woman who was pregnant with twins. The impact caused her to lose one of her babies, State Police said.
"The Michigan State Police is deeply sorry for the role our trooper played in the traffic crash, which resulted in the tragic loss of a child," Col. Joe Gasper, director of the MSP, stated in a press release. "We offer our sincerest condolences to the family, friends and all who have been impacted by this situation."
Cormier has been on paid suspension since the crash occurred, pending investigation. In lieu of the criminal charges, he will be placed on unpaid suspension until the outcome of the court proceedings are determined.
Cormier had been with MSP since January 2020.
