Tow Truck Driver Killed After Crash at Mound Road and Dobry Drive [Sterling Heights]

A 29-year-old tow truck driver from Detroit was killed in the early morning hours of Tuesday, July 21, 2026, after his vehicle ran a red light and collided with a semi-truck at the intersection of Mound Road and Dobry Drive in Sterling Heights. The crash was reported by ClickOnDetroit Local 4 News, citing the Sterling Heights Police Department.

According to Sterling Heights police, the crash occurred around 1:30 a.m. at the intersection of southbound Mound Road and Dobry Drive. The tow truck was traveling westbound on Dobry Drive and ran a red light at Mound Road, where it collided with a semi-truck that was proceeding through the intersection on a green light. The tow truck driver was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene. The semi-truck driver was not injured and declined medical treatment. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the crash, according to police, though the investigation remains active. Police are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has information about the incident to contact Traffic Specialist Officer Halapi at bhalapi@sterlingheights.gov or 586-446-2924.

Mound Road is one of Sterling Heights’ busiest north-south corridors, carrying commuter and commercial traffic throughout the day. Although traffic volumes are typically lighter during the early morning hours, crashes at signalized intersections can still have severe consequences when drivers fail to obey traffic signals.

What the Family of the Victim May Want to Know

When a driver is killed after running a red light, the legal picture for the at-fault driver’s own family can be complex. The specific facts, including the active investigation and the circumstances of the red-light violation, are still being established.

Michigan’s no-fault system provides PIP benefits for medical expenses and certain economic losses to eligible survivors regardless of fault. Whether additional civil claims may be available depends on the specific facts the investigation establishes, including whether any other party’s conduct may have contributed to the circumstances of the crash. An auto accident attorney can evaluate those questions once the investigation concludes.

Although police have stated that the tow truck entered the intersection against a red light, the investigation remains ongoing. Investigators will continue reviewing the available evidence, including witness statements, physical evidence, and any available video footage, to determine whether any additional factors contributed to the collision. An attorney can evaluate the findings of that investigation and explain what legal options may be available based on the final facts.

If your family has lost someone in a crash in Sterling Heights or anywhere in Macomb County, our team may be able to help. To speak with a Michigan personal injury attorney, contact us today.

Source: ClickOnDetroit