Sheriff's Deputy In ICU After Crash With Suspected Drunken Driver

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI — An Oakland County Sheriff's Office deputy is in stable condition after the vehicle he was driving was broadsided by a suspected drunken driver who officials said ran a red light.

The deputy, whose name was not released but was a six-year veteran of the department, suffered multiple injuries and remains hospitalized in the intensive care unit at a local hospital after the crash, police said.

“One of our Deputies was seriously injured this morning because another driver made the horribly irresponsible decision to drink and drive,” Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said. “This is yet another graphic illustration where drinking alcohol and operating any kind of motor vehicle can have life-altering consequences. We’re fortunate no one was killed and pray for the Deputy’s speedy recovery.”

Authorities said a 36-year-old Pontiac man, whose name has not been released, ran a red light and crashed into the deputy's vehicle around 12:03 a.m. Friday on northbound Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard at Michigan Avenue in Pontiac.

Police said alcohol appears to be a factor in the crash. The posted speed limit in the area is 35 mph, but police said it is unclear how fast the Pontiac man was driving at the time of the crash.

A witness said the Pontiac man ran the red light and hit the patrol car, which was deemed a total loss, officials said.

Investigators said they obtained a search warrant to take a sample of the man’s blood to test it for alcohol content. The results will be turned over to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office for possible criminal charges, officials said.