Semi Truck Driver Arrested After Crash Injures Trooper On I-75 In Oakland County: Police

ROYAL OAK, MI — A semi truck driver was arrested in connection with a crash that injured a trooper early Thursday morning on Interstate 75 in Oakland County, according to Michigan State Police.

Troopers were parked with their emergency lights on the southbound left shoulder and left lane of the freeway to investigate a crash that happened at 12:05 a.m. near the 11 Mile road ramp in Royal Oak, according to police.

While troopers were speaking with the drivers involved in the crash, a semi truck driver tried passing the slow moving traffic by moving into the left lane, according to police.

Once the semi truck driver saw the troopers, he tried to brake, but that caused him to lose control of the semi, according to police.

The semi then smashed into a patrol car, sending it 100 yards into the back of another state police car that had a trooper inside, according to police.

The semi continued sliding and nearly hit the other two troopers before striking a third vehicle that was involved in the initial crash, according to police.

Both troopers managed to avoid the semi by jumping over the freeway's median wall, according to police.

The trooper that was in the patrol car that was struck was taken to a nearby hospital and treated for minor injuries, according to police.

The semi driver was charged with reckless driving, according to police.

"This incident had everything we have been talking about this last month," Michigan State Police First Lt. Mike Shaw said. "First, a crash caused by risky driving behavior. Second, a driver going too fast, failing to move over for emergency vehicles and striking the patrol cars and people on the scene."

"Finally, responding troopers had to remove pedestrians from the freeway ramps who were trying to take photos for their favorite social media platform. We are continuing to ask drivers to slow down, move over, drive safe and please do not walk on the freeway," Shaw added.