Hackel Helps Motorist on I-94

When a motorist got in an accident on Interstate 94 in St. Clair Shores Tuesday morning, a good Samaritan with strong law-enforcement roots quickly came to her aid.

Mark Hackel, the former sheriff and current Macomb County Executive, was traveling to Detroit to take part in the Big Four summit at Cobo Hall when he came upon the accident.

The driver, Deante Greer of Port Huron, was en route to visit relatives in Harper Woods when she is believed to have lost control of her vehicle and struck the retaining wall near Stephens.

"As we came down 94 and came to the curve we could see the car in resting in the lane and the (driver) trying to get out," Hackel said.

His training took over and he immediately went into action. Along with another motorist, they stopped their cars and ran (in his suit) to the car to help the Greer and her passengers—two toddlers in car seats.

He placed the kids in his car and called for police assistance. After St. Clair Shores Police and Michigan State Police responded and allowed the family to leave, Hackel took them to their destination.

While trying to locate the home, Hackel also took part in a wide-ranging discussion with Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano and Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson on Frank Beckmann's WJR radio show.

"As sheriff you get used to multi-tasking and prioritizing," Hackel said.

Greer was encouraged to seek medical treatment, and Hackel arrived in time for the Big Four.