Driver dead after rear-ending Michigan State Police car on I-75, crushing it into semi; Motor Carrier Officer in critical condition

LINCOLN PARK (WWJ) -- A Michigan State Police officer was rushed to a hospital after a deadly crash that left a patrol car crushed along I-75 in Lincoln Park, Friday morning.

A woman was killed in the tragic incident that began with a traffic stop at around 8:40 a.m., on the northbound freeway, near Dix.

According to MSP Director Colonel James Grady, a Motor Carrier Officer (MCO), had pulled over a semi driver over for an unknown violation, and both the semi the MSP car were parked on the right shoulder.

A preliminary investigation and witness statements indicate that a Ford Explorer struck the median wall before continuing down the freeway, crashing into patrol vehicle, and pushing it into the back of the semi truck, MSP said.

Photos from the scene showed the police car was crushed, and pinned between the other two vehicles.

The MCO was seated in his care with his seatbelt on at the time of the crash. Due to the impact, he had to be extracted from the vehicle by the jaws of life, MSP said.

Both the officer and the Explorer driver were rushed to Detroit Receiving Hospital for treatment.

The semi-truck driver was uninjured.

The officer was last reported to be incritical condtion, according to MSP.

"I've been informed that they're continuing to conduct further assessment as far as his condition, but he is coherent and talking, so that's good," Grady told WWJ's Mike Campbell and other reporters.

Campbell reported law enforcement sources told him the injured trooper gave a thumb up before he was taken away in the ambulance.

Grady said the officer has been on the force for a little under two years. His family is with him at the hospital.

Grady said while this was apparently rear-end collision, other circumstances surrounding the crash are still unknown as the investigation gets underway.

Grady added that Motor Carrier Officers are "essential to roadway safety" in Michigan, pulling drivers over for violations, but also sometimes stopping just to offer help.

"And just like our other Motor Carrier Officers and troopers out there, as long as our other law enforcement partners out there, this officer's out there doing everything that he can to Michigan safe. And that's why he was working today."

"Again, this can be very dangerous out on these freeways, and roadways" Grady said. "It's very important that our motorists across the state please pull over and get over a lane when you see law enforcement or a first responder, tow truck driver, anybody, our construction workers — get over, slow down. I cannot preach that enough."

Northbound I-75 was closed at Allen Road following the crash, but has since reopened.

Stay with WWJ for information on the traffic situation, and updates on this developing story. >>LISTEN LIVE