(WWJ) An investigation is underway following the death of a high-profile criminal defense attorney in a crash with a Detroit Police vehicle.
WWJ Newsradio 950's Vickie Thomas reports many in the community are shocked and saddened by the tragic incident that took the life of Clifford Woodards II, in the early morning hours Monday.
Police say DPD officers with the Second Precinct were responding to a call for backup while traveling in a marked Ford Explorer along the I-96 eastbound Service Drive.
At the intersection of W. Chicago, the police vehicle collided with a Lexus IS 250, driver by Woodards.
Woodwards, 58, was taken by EMS to a local hospital where he died of his injuries.
The officers involved in the crash were also taken to the hospital, where they were listed in stable condition.
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Friends with Woodard for 30 years, Karen Dumas was in tears as she spoke to Thomas later in the morning.
"We've known each other for a long time, He's been there, you know?" Dumas said. "He was a good friend for a long time. And with any freind, when they're gone, it's devastating news."
"The impact of that loss is gonna be felt across the Detroit community," she added.
As for who was at fault for the crash, police said an investigation is actively being conducted by the DPD’s Fatal Squad, a specialized unit that investigates fatal and critical traffic related incidents.
Detroit political consultant Steve Hood, who attended grade school with Woodards, said he wants all the facts.
"We need a full investigation because Cliff was loved by the community," Hood said. "And unless we know that it's for real and for true what they're saying, no one is gonna trust DPD."
Meanwhile, Thomas reported that others are calling for an independent investigation outside of the DPD.
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