Snowmobiler Rear Ends Police Car

A downstate man could be facing a series of charges after rear ending a police car with his snowmobile on Sunday.

Troopers from the Michigan State Police Calumet post say the accident happened shortly before 4:00pm on M-26 near Pepin Road in Calumet Township. The patrol car was headed northbound at a reduced speed due to the poor visibility when a 60-year-old Farmington Hills man struck the rear end of the police car with his 1997 Yamaha snowmobile.

Officers say the snowmobile was traveling at nearly twice the speed of the patrol car when it struck, causing moderate damage to the patrol car and severe damage to the snowmobile. The driver of the snowmobile was ejected and then trapped underneath his snowmobile as it came to rest in the snowbank.

Troopers were able to lift the snowmobile enough to free the man and give him medical assistance.He was taken to Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital by Mercy Ambulance for non-life threatening injuries.

Officers say alcohol and speed, combined with poor visibility, were factors in the crash. Charges are expected to be sought from the Houghton County Prosecutors office.

Assisting at the scene were deputies from the Houghton County Sheriff’s Office, Mercy Ambulance, and Joe’s Towing of Calumet.