On Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, at approximately 11 p.m., Oak Park Public Safety officers responded to a fatal traffic crash at the intersection of Eight Mile Road and Coolidge Highway involving two motor vehicles.

Upon arrival, officers located one adult male, 23 years of age, lying on the roadway of eastbound Eight Mile Road. The subject was conscious and breathing. Officers observed a black Dodge Charger facing east on Eight Mile Road with heavy front-end damage. A second vehicle, a Buick Envision, had crossed over the median and was facing west on Eight Mile Road.

The driver of the Envision had to be extricated with the assistance of the Detroit Fire Department, which was also on scene.

Oak Park Public Safety officers immediately rendered medical care to the driver of the Buick Envision, who was transported to a local hospital and later pronounced deceased.

Investigators subsequently determined he was working as an Uber driver at the time of the crash. The male victim found lying on the roadway was a rear-seat passenger who had been ejected from the vehicle during the collision. He was rendered medical care on scene and transported to a local hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

The driver of the Dodge Charger, a 19-year-old male, sustained minor injuries. An 18-year-old female passenger was not injured.

Preliminary investigation indicates the driver of the Buick Envision was traveling north on Coolidge Highway south of the intersection, while the second vehicle, a Dodge Charger, was traveling east on Eight Mile Road. The driver of the Dodge Charger disregarded the traffic signal at the intersection of eastbound Eight Mile Road and Coolidge Highway and collided with the Buick Envision, which had the right of way.

Nearby video surveillance confirms the circumstances of the crash.

Investigators believe intoxication was a factor involving the driver of the Dodge Charger. The driver of the Dodge Charger was taken into custody by the Oak Park Public Safety Department. This case will be presented to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office for the appropriate charges.

The Oakland County Sheriff's Office is conducting accident reconstruction and assisting with the ongoing investigation. Detectives are continuing to review surveillance footage from nearby businesses and speak with witnesses.

“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic crash,” said Steve Cooper, director of the Department of Public Safety. “We urge drivers to slow down, never drive under the influence, eliminate distractions, buckle up, and remain attentive to pedestrians and others sharing the roadway. Safe driving requires constant focus and responsible decision-making. A few simple choices can save lives and help keep our community safe.”

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Oak Park Department of Public Safety at (248) 691-7520.

ADDITIONAL UPDATE: 09/18/2026 - 11:47 a.m.

Additional public information has confirmed that while authorities were investigating the original traffic fatality, a second crash occurred. A vehicle rear-ended a City of Berkley Police Department patrol vehicle that was assisting at the scene. The patrol vehicle was unoccupied at the time of the crash, and the responding officer did not sustain any injuries. The driver of the striking vehicle was evaluated at the scene and was reported to be in stable condition. The driver was subsequently arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI).

No additional information is currently available. Updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.