MSP trooper injured after suspected impaired driver hits patrol cars near Flint
A Michigan State Police trooper was treated and released from a local hospital after a suspected impaired driver hit two Flint Post patrol cars early Saturday, July 4, on Dort Highway near Flint.
MSP's Third District said the crash happened about 2:30 a.m. near Frances Road in Genesee County. Troopers were blocking the northbound lane because of a barn fire up the road, and their emergency lights were activated.
One trooper was sitting in a patrol vehicle and another trooper was outside placing flares, according to MSP. The northbound driver was traveling at a high rate of speed when he hit the first patrol car and pushed it into the second patrol car. The driver's vehicle then went into a ditch.
MSP said the 29-year-old driver had no license, no insurance, was intoxicated, and had a probation-violation warrant out of Lapeer County. After the crash investigation, he was lodged at the Lapeer County Jail.
No other injuries were reported. MSP said the completed report will be submitted to the Genesee County Prosecutor for review.
Legal Issues After an Impaired-Driving Crash at an Emergency Scene
Michigan's OWI statute, MCL 257.625, is the general framework for operating while intoxicated or while visibly impaired. MSP has reported suspected intoxication, but the public source record does not confirm what charges, if any, the prosecutor will authorize.
The emergency-scene facts may also matter. MSP said the patrol cars had emergency lights activated and one trooper was outside placing flares. Michigan's move-over law, MCL 257.653a, addresses drivers approaching stationary emergency vehicles with flashing lights and includes enhanced penalties if a violation injures police or other emergency personnel.
Separate from any criminal review, a person injured in a Michigan motor-vehicle crash may need to review No-Fault/PIP benefits under MCL 500.3105. If injuries are more serious than first reported, a third-party claim against the at-fault driver can also depend on Michigan's serious-impairment threshold under MCL 500.3135. This story currently reports minor, non-life-threatening injuries to one trooper.
MLC's guide to Michigan drunk-driving crash claims explains how criminal OWI allegations and civil injury claims can move on separate tracks. Our car accident claims page explains the broader No-Fault and third-party claim issues after Michigan crashes.
Get Help From Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center is the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates. Our attorneys help injured people and families across Michigan with impaired-driving crash claims, No-Fault claims, insurance disputes, and serious injury cases.
If you or a loved one was injured by an impaired driver in Michigan, call Michigan Legal Center at (248) 886-8650 or contact us for a free consultation.
There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.