Suspected Drunk Driver Crashes Into MSP Patrol Car on I-94 in Romulus, Injuring Trooper[ Romulus MI]

A Michigan State Police trooper was hospitalized early Monday morning, April 6, 2026, after a suspected intoxicated driver lost control of his vehicle and slammed into her patrol car on westbound I-94 near Merriman Road in Romulus. The crash, which occurred around 1:10 a.m., involved four vehicles in total and prompted a swift emergency response from the Romulus Fire Department.

At the time of the crash, the trooper was already on scene assisting with a separate two-vehicle crash in the gore area between the collector-distributor lane and express lanes of westbound I-94. She was seated inside her fully marked patrol vehicle with her emergency lights and spotlights fully activated when a 32-year-old driver, traveling westbound in a 2013 Lincoln MKZ, lost control and struck the driver’s side of the patrol car. The Lincoln then spun out and collided with two additional vehicles before coming to rest in the middle lanes of the freeway.

Romulus Fire Department crews responded and had to physically remove the trooper from her patrol car. She was transported to a local hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening. No other injuries were reported among the occupants of the other vehicles involved. The 32-year-old driver of the Lincoln MKZ, who showed visible signs of intoxication, was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital for a blood draw. The investigation remains ongoing.

Michigan State Police noted that this crash was entirely preventable and used the incident to remind drivers of Michigan’s Move Over Law, which requires motorists to slow down and shift to an adjacent lane when passing stationary emergency vehicles with activated lights.

Understanding the Legal Implications of This Crash

When a driver operates a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, every other person on the road — including law enforcement officers and first responders — is placed in serious danger. Under Michigan law, operating a vehicle while intoxicated is a criminal offense, and when that impairment causes injury to another person, the charges and civil liability become significantly more serious. In a case like this one, the injured trooper and any other affected parties may have legal claims for compensation arising from the at-fault driver’s conduct. An auto accident attorney can help injured victims and their families understand what options are available to them under Michigan law.

Michigan’s Move Over Law exists specifically to protect first responders and others who must stop along busy freeways. Drivers who fail to move over or slow down when approaching an emergency scene may face civil liability in addition to any criminal penalties. In crashes involving suspected drunk driving, victims can pursue compensation not only for immediate medical expenses but also for lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term rehabilitation costs.

It is worth noting that in Michigan, injured parties do not need to wait for a criminal conviction before pursuing a civil claim. The civil and criminal processes are separate, and evidence gathered during the criminal investigation — such as blood alcohol results and field sobriety test observations — can be highly relevant in a civil case. Anyone injured in a crash involving a suspected impaired driver should consult with an attorney as soon as possible to preserve their legal rights.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash caused by a drunk or impaired driver in the Metro Detroit area, you deserve knowledgeable and compassionate legal representation. Our team proudly serves clients throughout Macomb County and the surrounding Metro Detroit communities, including those affected by crashes along major freeways like I-94. You should not have to shoulder the financial and physical burden of someone else’s reckless decision. To speak with an experienced Michigan personal injury attorney, contact us today.

Source:ClickonDetroit