STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – An innocent driver was killed and her passenger was burned when a Charger smashed into a pickup stopped at a Macomb County red light, causing both cars to catch fire.
The crash happened around 1:50 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, at the intersection of Van Dyke Avenue and 15 Mile Road in Sterling Heights.
Police said a Ford F-150 heading south on Van Dyke Avenue had stopped at 15 Mile Road for a red light. A southbound Dodge Charger crashed into the back of the pickup, causing both cars to ignite, officials said.
The 54-year-old Warren woman driving the F-150 was pronounced dead at the scene. A 30-year-old man in the passenger seat was taken to a nearby hospital with burns.
A 25-year-old Detroit man was driving the Charger, and there were no other occupants. He refused medical treatment at the scene.
Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash.
The Detroit man was arrested and taken to the Macomb County Jail.
Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to call the Traffic Safety Bureau at 586-446-2920 and reference case No. 24-60899.