LIVONIA, Mich. – Dashcam video from a Livonia police officer's cruiser shows the moment a vehicle slammed into the cruiser Sunday along I-96 between Middlebelt and Merriman roads.
Livonia police said a 43-year-old Hartland man's vehicle crossed all lanes of westbound I-96 just after 11:30 a.m. between Merriman and Middlebelt roads before rear-ending a patrol vehicle and rolling over. The man was killed in the crash. Police believe he may have suffered a medical emergency.
The dashcam shows the crash happened about 11:36 a.m. The impact caused the patrol vehicle to strike the officer, who was standing outside of the vehicle while conducting a traffic stop on the shoulder of the interstate. The video shows the officer scramble to get out of the way at the last second. Video from his bodycam also captured the moment.
Watch the video above.
The officer was thrown backward onto the pavement. He was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Police said he would undergo surgery and be released from the hospital this week.
The westbound side of the interstate was closed for hours between Merriman and Middlebelt roads.
Driver may have suffered medical emergency
Police believe the Hartland man suffered a medical emergency before his vehicle veered into the officer's patrol car. He was traveling alone.
"The vehicle that struck the patrol car rolled over after impact and the driver sustained significant trauma and was trapped in the vehicle. He was pronounced deceased at the scene," Livonia Police Chief Curtis Caid said in a statement.
Chief Caid rushed to the crash scene.
"On behalf of the Livonia Police Department, our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. Within a couple minutes, I was at the scene of the crash and the injured officer was conscious and alert. The responding firefighters were outstanding and remained at the scene supporting our officers until nearly 6:30 p.m. at which time the scene was cleared. Please continue to pray for and support our officers and all first responders, who are committed to serving our community," Caid said in a statement.
No other injuries were reported.
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