Fatal Accident Investigation Team
Crash InvestigationA nine-member team trained in crash reconstruction responds to serious injury and fatal crashes in the township. It handled eight callouts in 2025.
About the Fatal Accident Investigation Team
The Chesterfield Township Police Department Fatal Accident Investigation Team is a specialized unit responsible for investigating serious and fatal traffic crashes within the township. Team members are trained in advanced crash reconstruction techniques, including photographic documentation, scene measurement, vehicle dynamics analysis and scene reconstruction.
When a serious or fatal crash occurs, the team is called out to conduct a thorough investigation that establishes the cause, contributing factors and any potential criminal liability. Its findings are used in both civil and criminal proceedings, and its work supports the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office when charges follow.
In 2025 the team responded to eight calls for service: two fatal crashes and six serious injury crashes. Six of those investigations were full reconstructions and two were handled with measurements and photographs. Both fatal crashes involved a vehicle striking a pedestrian.
The team draws members from across the department's ranks, from the Administrative Captain to patrol officers, so trained investigators are available at any hour. The drone program and the department's evidence technicians support the team with overhead imagery and scene documentation.
Responsibilities
- Respond to serious injury and fatal crashes at any hour
- Document scenes with measurements, photographs and drone imagery
- Reconstruct crashes using vehicle dynamics and scene evidence
- Determine cause, contributing factors and potential criminal liability
- Prepare reports and testimony for civil and criminal proceedings
- Assist the Traffic Unit and patrol with complex crash investigations
- Maintain training in at-scene crash investigation and reconstruction
2025 Team Members
The Fatal Accident Investigation Team includes command staff, supervisors, a detective and patrol officers so that trained investigators are available on every shift.
- Captain B. McNair
- Lt. R. Fitzpatrick
- Lt. M. McPhillips
- D/Sgt. J. Feld
- Sgt. M. Ogden
- Sgt. D. Johnson
- Sgt. H. Otal
- Ofc. R. Wilson
- Ofc. M. DeVlaminck
Fatal Accident Investigation Team Activity
| Date | Location | Type | Injury | Investigation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/17/2025 | Gratiot Ave at 23 Mile Rd | Head on, left turn | Serious injury | Measurements and photos |
| 07/01/2025 | 23 Mile Rd at Sierra Rd | Angle | Serious injury | Reconstruction |
| 08/03/2025 | 23 Mile Rd at Seaden Dr | Car versus pedestrian | Fatal | Reconstruction |
| 08/29/2025 | 23 Mile Rd at Chesterfield Rd | Sideswipe, opposite direction | Serious injury | Reconstruction |
| 11/23/2025 | Jefferson Ave at William P. Rosso | Single vehicle rollover | Serious injury | Reconstruction |
| 11/25/2025 | Donner Rd at Cromwell Dr | Car versus pedestrian | Serious injury | Reconstruction |
| 12/10/2025 | 21 Mile Rd at Farwell Rd | Single vehicle rollover | Serious injury | Reconstruction |
| 12/11/2025 | 22 Mile Rd at Structural Dr | Car versus pedestrian | Fatal | Reconstruction |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Fatal Accident Investigation Team called out?
The team responds to crashes involving a death or a serious injury. Routine crashes are handled by patrol and the Traffic Unit.
I witnessed a serious crash. How do I give a statement?
Call (586) 949-2322 and ask to speak with the investigating officer, or complete a Voluntary Statement Form and bring it to the station. Witness accounts are an important part of a reconstruction.
How long does a reconstruction take?
A full reconstruction can take weeks or months because it involves scene measurements, vehicle inspections, data downloads and analysis. Families and involved parties can check on the status by calling the department.
How do I get the crash report?
Crash reports are available through the Records Department or online through LexisNexis once the report is complete. See the Purchase an Accident Report page.