The force of a crash with a 2017 Mercedes traveling upward of 100 mph July 17 left a Ford F-150 pickup sheared in half.
HEIGHTS – Police officers investigating a late-night crash were almost hit by a Dodge Charger driven by a 20-year-old Detroit man.
About 11:30 p.m. July 17, dispatchers received a 911 call regarding a serious injury accident on southbound Telegraph Road south of Joy Road.
Preliminary investigation revealed a white 2017 Mercedes driven by a 32-year-old Inkster man broadsided a 2009 Ford F-150 pickup driven by a 41-year-old Detroit man. Witnesses reported the Mercedes was traveling at speeds estimated upward of 100 mph. The severity of the impact left the pickup cut in half.
Both drivers were taken to area hospitals and listed in stable condition. Two passengers in the Mercedes, a 32-year-old Canton man and a 26-year-old Inkster man, were also transported to area hospitals and were listed in critical condition.
The Dearborn Heights Traffic Bureau processed the scene and will present their findings to the Wayne County Prosecutors Office
While Traffic Bureau staff were re-constructing the crash scene about 1:30 a.m., a 20-year-old Detroit man drove his 2008 Dodge Charger around flares and emergency vehicles. He then swerved off the roadway, nearly striking a marked Dearborn Heights squad car, a tow truck, and Traffic Bureau Officers before stopping.
Officers arrested the man after smelling the odor of intoxicants emanating from him. He resisted arrest, but was taken to an area hospital for treatment regarding a cut on his chin. Officers secured a search warrant for a blood draw which was taken at the hospital.
Once out of the hospital, the man was lodged at the Police Department where staff will seek appropriate charges pending receipt of the blood test results.
“As drivers, we all have an obligation to our fellow motorists and pedestrians to drive with a clear mind and to obey traffic control devices and speed limits,” Police Chief Jerrod Hart said. “According to the eyewitness accounts, speed and reckless driving were contributing factors in the initial serious injury accident, and to then have yet another motorist put our officers’ safety in jeopardy by allegedly driving under the influence is unacceptable.
“We have to do better, start caring about others and take our responsibility to safely operate motor vehicles seriously.”