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State police: Driver intentionally crashed into I-696 center median in Madison Heights

Driver suspected to be under influence of drugs or alcohol

A crash along eastbound I-696 on Feb. 3, 2021 in Madison Heights. (WDIV)

MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich. – A driver intentionally crashed a vehicle into the center median along eastbound I-696 near Dequindre Road, blocking traffic for several hours Wednesday morning, Michigan State Police said.

The crash happened about 2:50 a.m. Eastbound I-696 had to be shut down at Couzens Avenue after the crash caused a light pole to fall onto the interstate on the eastbound side. A second vehicle struck that pole, police said, and then a third vehicle struck the initial vehicle that crashed.

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Luckily, no serious injuries were reported.

Police said the driver who first crashed intentionally into the median fled the area on foot. However, they were found by police -- officers suspect the driver was operating the vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Michigan State Police have an investigation ongoing.

The freeway reopened to traffic about 7 a.m.

Check the live traffic map with updates here.


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