State trooper, three others rushed to hospital after cab driver slams into patrol car

WARREN, Mich., (WXYZ) - A cab driver traveling about 70 mph slams into the back of a Michigan State Police patrol car that was parked on the side of the freeway.

The crash happened New Year's Day at 8:20 a.m. on eastbound I-696 in Warren. Despite being injured, the 46-year-old trooper was able to radio for help.

Michigan State Police Lt. Michael Shaw tells 7 Action News that the cab driver didn't even brake before slamming into the patrol car where the trooper sat in the driver's seat with a man he had just arrested sitting in the passenger seat.

The trooper was processing his prisoner for speeding and driving on a suspended license when they were hit from behind by the cab.

Lt. Shaw says the trooper sustained lacerations and bruises. The prisoner was also injured.

The cab is from a company called Getter Done Taxi, and we're told their customer was injured when he hit the windshield.

The cab driver sustained injuries to his hands.

Investigators say the cab driver and his customer are giving conflicting stories about what may have been happening in the cab just before the crash, but Lt. Shaw says it's possible that pain medication the men are receiving for their injuries is clouding their memory.

Action News reached the Getter Done Taxi company, but they declined to comment.

Michigan State Police say too often people fail to obey the law and move over at least one lane, or slow down if unable to change lanes, when passing an emergency vehicle.

We're told the New Year's Day crash marks the tenth time this veteran trooper has been hit while parked on the side of the road.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is urged to call Michigan State Police at (734) 287-5000.