Harper Woods resident, 62, dead in wrong-way crash on I-696 in Roseville
A 62-year-old Harper Woods resident is dead following a collision with a wrong-way driver who police suspect was intoxicated.
Michigan State Police said it was investigating the crash that occured Friday morning, near I-696 and Groesbeck in Roseville.
Traffic Crash:
05/05 at 3:35 AM
Location:
W I 696 near Grosbeck
Synopsis:
Metro North troopers are investigating a traffic crash involving a wrong way driver. Traffic is being routed off at Gratiot Ave. More details will be provided as investigation continues. pic.twitter.com/SOFTswQ0wc— MSP Second District (@mspmetrodet) May 5, 2023
Troopers were able to locate the Liberty at Dequindre Road and travelled eastbound in westbound lanes on the right shoulder attempting to alert the wrong way driver. Moments later, the driver of the Liberty struck a Chevy SUV head on in the left lane. 3/
— MSP Second District (@mspmetrodet) May 5, 2023
“We are continuing to see drivers making poor driving decisions that are resulting in serious injuries or death in traffic crashes.” stated MSP F/Lt Mike Shaw. “We asking people to drive responsibly. Slow down, don’t drive impaired or distracted. It really is that simple.” 6/
— MSP Second District (@mspmetrodet) May 5, 2023
These are crash scene photos from this traffic crash. A crash that was totally preventable if a driver did the right thing and didn’t drive impaired. If you plan on celebrating Cinco de Mayo today, do the responsible thing, don’t drive impaired. #DriveMichiganSafely 7/ pic.twitter.com/utWecO3uZp
— MSP Second District (@mspmetrodet) May 5, 2023
According to MSP, the Detroit Regional Communication Center received multiple calls about a Jeep Liberty driving eastbound in the westbound lanes of I-696 near Coolidge Highway. Troopers eventually located the Liberty at Dequindre Road and traveled eastbound in the westbound lanes, on the right shoulder, to attempt to alert the wrong-way driver.
Moments after that, the driver of the Liberty struck a Chevy SUV head-on in the left lane. The driver of the Chevy SUV was pronounced dead on the scene.
The driver and the passenger of the Liberty received minor injuries and are suspected of being intoxicated while driving. A blood draw was completed on the driver, who was also treated for a broken toe. At the time, the name and age of the suspect has not been disclosed. The driver, who is also suspected of driving with a suspending license, will be lodged once medically cleared, MSP stated.
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The victim's family has been notified and the investigation is ongoing.
“We are continuing to see drivers making poor driving decisions that are resulting in serious injuries or death in traffic crashes,” MSP First Lt. Michael Shaw said in a written statement. “We are asking people to drive responsibly. Slow down, don’t drive impaired or distracted. It really is that simple.”
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Harper Woods resident dead in wrong-way crash on I-696 in Roseville
