Michigan State Police Urges Drivers to Slow Down and Move Over After Trooper Hit-and-Run

Authorities say six patrol cars have been struck by vehicles so far this year, with one incident leaving a trooper with minor injuries.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Michigan State Police is sending a strong message to drivers after one of its troopers in a parked patrol car was struck by a Jeep SUV while investigating a crash in Detroit. The driver of the Jeep fled the scene, and authorities are still searching for the 29-year-old suspect. Police are now enforcing the state's Move Over Law, which requires drivers to slow down and change lanes when approaching emergency or service vehicles with their lights activated.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers that law enforcement officers face on the roads, even when they are simply doing their jobs. The Move Over Law was put in place to protect these public servants, but many drivers still fail to comply, putting officers and the public at risk. Enforcing this law and raising awareness about the importance of slowing down and moving over is crucial for improving road safety.

The details

On Sunday evening, an MSP trooper was near M-10 and Schaefer Highway in Detroit, investigating a crash, when his parked patrol car was struck from behind by a Jeep SUV. The impact slid the trooper's car into a concrete wall. The 29-year-old Detroit woman driving the Jeep got out of the vehicle and fled the scene. The trooper sustained only minor injuries, but Lt. Rene Gonzalez of MSP says this is just one of six incidents so far this year where patrol cars have been struck by oncoming vehicles.

  • On Sunday evening, the incident occurred.
  • So far in 2026, Michigan State Police has had six incidents where patrol cars were struck by other vehicles.

The players

Michigan State Police

The state law enforcement agency that is investigating the hit-and-run incident and enforcing the Move Over Law.

Rene Gonzalez

A lieutenant and public information officer for the Michigan State Police's First District.

29-year-old Detroit woman

The driver of the Jeep SUV who struck the parked patrol car and then fled the scene.

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What they’re saying

“Could have been much more tragic.”

— Rene Gonzalez, Lieutenant, Michigan State Police (CBS News Detroit)

“Trying to do our jobs, however, people are not paying attention. The law is easy. It's simple. You see us, you see our lights activated, you have to slow down ten miles below the posted speed limit, and then if able, move over to the next occupied available lane.”

— Rene Gonzalez, Lieutenant, Michigan State Police (CBS News Detroit)

What’s next

Michigan State Police detectives are still working to track down the 29-year-old suspect who fled the scene. In the meantime, police are out enforcing the Move Over Law to prevent similar incidents from occurring.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of the Move Over Law and the need for drivers to be vigilant and responsible when approaching emergency vehicles on the road. Failing to slow down and change lanes puts law enforcement officers and the public at serious risk, and this incident serves as a stark reminder that such crashes can have tragic consequences.