Driver on Milford Road Rear Ends Sheriff, Flees, Crashes into Home

(Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, Nov. 13, 2017)

Highland Township, MI –

INCIDENT:  00:13 hrs. Nov. 12, 2017 – Highland Township – Hit and Run Patrol Vehicle Injury Crash / Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer / Car vs. Private Residence Injury Crash / Operating a Motor Vehicle while Intoxicated / Injured Deputy / OCSO Crash Reconstruction Unit Assist – #17-208091

SUMMARY:  A Deputy was traveling southbound on Milford Rd. near Wardlow Rd. when his patrol vehicle was struck from behind by a 2002 Chevrolet Malibu.  The Deputy had been traveling approximately 40 mph when the crash occurred.  Following the initial impact the responsible vehicle fled and made a U-turn to go northbound on Milford Rd.  Although the Deputy’s vehicle was damaged, he was able to pursue the responsible vehicle northbound on Milford Rd. with his lights and siren activated.  The Deputy lost sight of the responsible vehicle as it turned into the Highland Greens Mobile Home Community less than a mile away  The vehicle was located by the Deputy on Mead Blvd. near Loch LoMond Drive by following a fluid trail from the suspect vehicle to where it had left the roadway and struck a residence.  The responsible vehicle became disabled and was lodged inside of the residence.

The Deputy was able to take the responsible driver, who  had a strong smell of alcohol and bloodshot eyes, into custody.  The Deputy then made a forced entry into the residence by kicking the front door open to render aid to the resident who had been thrown out of her chair by the impact and was on the floor.  The Highland Township Fire Department and Paramedics from Star EMS responded to the scene. Paramedics treated both the Deputy and the resident of the home for injuries.  Both were subsequently transported to McLaren Hospital – Oakland for further evaluation.

OUTCOME OF INCIDENT:  Deputies on the scene requested the assistance of the OCSO Crash Reconstruction Unit to assist them with the crash investigation.  The injured Deputy was treated at McLaren Hospital – Oakland and later released.  The resident of the home was treated for non-life threatening injuries but remains hospitalized.  The responsible driver was transported to McLaren Hospital – Oakland where a blood draw was performed.  The blood sample was forwarded to the Forensic Lab.  Lab results are pending.  The driver was lodged at the Oakland County Jail pending charges. Detectives will be continuing with the investigation.

VICTIM INFORMATION (Injured Resident): 76 year old female, resident of Highland Township

The injured Deputy is 37 years old and a 16 year police veteran with 4 of those years with the Sheriff’s Office.

ARRESTEE INFORMATION:  37 year old male, resident of Highland Township.