Reckless Driving Charge Filed in Fatal I-696 Crash

Farmington Hills police have arrested a 26-year-old man in the aftermath of the deadly wrong-way collision.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 5:36pm

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Police have arrested Richard Leon-Zghen, 26, and charged him with reckless driving causing death in connection with a fatal wrong-way crash on I-696 in Farmington Hills, Michigan on March 13, 2026. The crash resulted in the death of an 81-year-old Detroit man. Authorities say digital forensic evidence proved the deceased driver of the van was not at fault, contrary to initial indications.

Why it matters

Wrong-way crashes on highways are a serious public safety concern, often resulting in devastating consequences. This incident highlights the importance of thorough investigations to determine the true cause of such collisions and hold the appropriate parties accountable.

The details

According to police, the crash occurred around 4:34 a.m. on March 13 when a van and an SUV collided head-on westbound on I-696 near Halsted Road. The interstate was closed for about four hours that morning due to the incident. While the preliminary investigation suggested the deceased van driver was at fault, further digital forensic evidence proved otherwise, leading to the arrest and reckless driving charge against Leon-Zghen.

  • The crash happened around 4:34 a.m. on March 13, 2026.
  • Leon-Zghen was arrested on March 17, 2026.
  • Leon-Zghen was arraigned at 47th District Court and his next court appearance is a preliminary exam on April 3, 2026.

The players

Richard Leon-Zghen

A 26-year-old man charged with reckless driving causing death in connection with the fatal wrong-way crash on I-696.

Farmington Hills Police Department

The law enforcement agency that investigated the crash and made the arrest.

An 81-year-old Detroit man

The deceased driver of the van involved in the fatal wrong-way collision on I-696.

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What they’re saying

“While the preliminary investigation suggested that the deceased driver of the van was at fault, digital forensic evidence was identified during the course of the investigation that proved otherwise.”

— Farmington Hills Police Department

“The Farmington Hills Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased driver.”

— Farmington Hills Police Department

What’s next

The crash investigation is continuing, with the Farmington Hills Police Department's Traffic Safety Section reviewing on-scene analysis, witness interviews and the vehicles involved. Officers ask that anyone with information that can assist in the investigation contact the department's command desk.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for thorough investigations into wrong-way crashes to determine the true cause and hold the appropriate parties accountable. It also highlights the devastating impact such collisions can have on families and communities.