SHERIDAN, Mich. — A man is recovering after stealing a semi-tractor and crashing it into a patch of trees Saturday, police say.
Michigan State Police troopers were initially sent to investigate a stolen semi-tractor trailer combination in the area of Holland Lake Road in Sidney Township.
The owner of the semi had reported an unknown male driving his semi away from his residence in the trailer. The owner reported that the man appeared to be unfamiliar with operating the vehicle, dragging the trailer with it’s brakes locked. Eventually, the suspect was able to release the brakes and flee east on Holland Lake Road.
Police say the suspect eventually crossed M-66, lost control, and “jack-knifed” the trailer-combo, ultimately leaving the roadway and hitting a patch of trees. The driver was ejected from the vehicle and became trapped in the wreckage.
The tractor and trailer became disconnected in the collision. allowing the trailer portion to continue moving east before it too struck some trees.
MSP troopers made it on scene within minutes of the crash and were able to remove the injured driver from the wreckage. He was transported to an area hospital.
Police say the suspect is a 27-year-old man from Ionia. They are waiting until formal charges are filed to release his name.
Police also added that the man is not a CDL holder, and that speed and alcohol both appear to have contributed to the crash.
