Raven

is a 2017 Ford Police Interceptor Utility with the 3.7L V6 Cyclone engine. It has Flex Fuel capabilities as well as a rear-wheel-based all-wheel drive system. Designed specifically for law enforcement, Raven features a police-calibrated 6-speed automatic transmission, heavy-duty suspension, reinforced frame components, and pursuit-rated brakes. Its interior is equipped with front heavy-duty cloth bucket seats, a vinyl rear bench, rubberized flooring, and over 80 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats are folded. With 304 horsepower and 279 lb-ft of torque, Raven is built to handle high-speed response, long idle times, and the demanding needs of patrol duty combining reliability, performance, and utility in a single purpose-built vehicle.

Her past as a police car.

She served as an active patrol vehicle for the Anne Arundel County Police, assigned unit number 731. There is no indication that she was ever equipped with a holding cell or gun safe, suggesting she may have been used as a supervisor vehicle. According to CARFAX, she was involved in two minor accidents during her service. She was officially retired in early 2024 and later sold to William in June of that year.

Purchase, and then disaster.

William purchased the retired police vehicle for a little over $10,000. She was found to be in good condition, both mechanically and visually.

Roughly 14 hours after the purchase, William was driving home as Tropical Storm Beryl reached its peak intensity in Michigan. According to the crash report, "a clogged drain had caused a significant amount of standing water on the roadway. (William) struck the water, lost control of the vehicle, and struck the median wall." Fortunately, William was not injured in the incident, and was the only person involved in the crash.

Raven, stuck on top of the median wall, with Tre in frame taking pictures.

An off-duty Washtenaw County Sheriff’s deputy was driving by when he saw Raven stranded on the median wall. He stopped to assist, activating his emergency lights and traffic advisor to direct passing vehicles into the right lane, while also keeping his lights trained on Raven to prevent others from making the same mistake. He remained on scene until the Michigan State Police arrived to take over. Ironically, the responding MSP trooper also hit the standing water and momentarily lost control of his vehicle. He later stated that had he been traveling at a higher speed, he likely would have crashed as well. Raven was eventually lifted off the wall with the help of three tow trucks and transported to a nearby yard in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Damages

In terms of drivability, the impact damaged several key components, including the radiator, front CV axles, front wheel hubs, driveshaft, exhaust system, and rear suspension. The front driver’s side tire also burst on impact. Body damage included the front bumper cover and rear door panels. While Raven was fully repaired mechanically and restored to roadworthy condition, the visual damage was left untouched.

Front bumper damage.

Burst front drivers side tire.

Cockeyed rear drivers side tire.

Missing rear passanger side door panel.

She remained in the tow yard for a week. She was then moved while waiting for repairs. Roughly two weeks after the crash, she was back on the road.

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