Speed, Distracted Driving Killed Man On I-696: Police

WARREN, MI — Police are investigating the fatal accident last week that killed a man who was refilling his gas tank on the shoulder of I-696 in Warren. They believe speed or distracted driving were factors in the collision, according to updates released Monday by Michigan State Police.

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According to officials, the man -- who has not been identified, pending the investigation -- was on the right shoulder of westbound I-696 at about 2:30 p.m. March 27 after his 2000 Pontiac ran out of gas. The man’s father, driving a 2005 Dodge, had brought him gas and was also parked on the shoulder, in front of his son’s car. Police said as the man was standing near the rear driver’s side tire filling his tank, the driver of a 2015 Chrysler in the far right lane lost control of his vehicle and struck him, crushing him between the two cars.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. No other injuries were reported. Investigators are now conducting vehicle inspections and obtaining search warrants for the Chrysler and the driver’s cell phone.

Photo courtesy Michigan State Police