Fatal Crash on I-696 in Southfield
(Complied, ongoing, Sept. 29, 2014)
Michigan State Police report that a fatal motorcycle crash closed I-696 Eastbound around 7:30pm Sunday night. The freeway was closed into the morning on Monday. The accident took place on Eastbound I-696 and Harvard Road. This story will be updated as more information is available.
UPDATE:  Michigan State Police released the following update at 11:35am on Monday:
Summary: At 7:27 PM, September 18, 2014 a trooper from the Metro Post attempted to stop a 2005 Kawasaki Motorcycle for a traffic violation on eastbound I-696 and Lahser. The driver of the motorcycle failed to stop and was traveling shoulder to shoulder on the freeway when it struck a 2005 Chevy Silverado in the right lane. The driver of the motorcycle was transported by Southfield Fire Department to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. There were no injuries to the driver of the Chevy pickup. The driver of the motorcycle was wearing a helmet and did have a motorcycle endorsement. It is unknown if alcohol or narcotics is a factor pending autopsy and toxicology reports. Investigation continues by the Metro Post.
 
Motorcycle Driver: BASSAM ISSA, 27 years old from Sterling Heights