Commerce Township

A couple accused of running a human trafficking ring through massage parlors was charged in Oakland and Wayne counties. Paul Richard Katterman II and Zixuan Wan were charged with multiple counts, including human trafficking and keeping a house of prostitution. Authorities allege that the women were forced to live and work under harsh conditions for minimal pay in locations such as Commerce Township, Farmington Hills, and Westland.

Paul Richard Katterman II and Zixuan Wan were accused of running a human trafficking ring in Oakland and Wayne counties. Authorities alleged that they forced women into sex work under harsh conditions at illicit massage parlors located in areas such as Commerce Township, Farmington Hills, and Westland.

A 48-year-old Commerce Township man was seriously injured after being struck by a car while crossing W Maple Road near Grandview Drive. The driver, a 65-year-old Walled Lake woman, reported the cyclist failed to yield at a marked crosswalk. The cyclist was hospitalized in critical condition, while the driver remained unharmed. Investigators indicated no factors of speed, alcohol, or drugs were involved.

A roundabout in Commerce Township, where M-5 transitions into Martin Parkway and Pontiac Trail, handles 75,000 vehicles daily and has seen increased crashes, though fatalities remain zero. The Road Commission for Oakland County acknowledges the trade-off between reducing serious injuries and accepting more minor collisions, emphasizing lane discipline as a key issue.

A 15-acre retail development and park expansion are proposed at the corner of Wise and Union Lake roads in Commerce Township. The golf course owner plans to donate 50 acres to the township, but residents express concerns about traffic, loss of scenic views, and environmental impact. The project includes a grocery store, car wash, and drive-thru restaurants, with challenges involving wetlands mitigation and road improvements.

A 41-year-old Novi man was bitten by an Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake at Proud Lake Recreation Area in Commerce Township, Oakland County, and received treatment at the University of Michigan hospital. The snake, a threatened species found in wetlands, is non-aggressive and rare in Michigan, with the fire department noting such bites are extremely uncommon.

A roundabout in Commerce Township, where M-5 transitions into Martin Parkway and Pontiac Trail, handles 75,000 vehicles daily and has seen increased crashes, though fatalities remain at zero. The Road Commission for Oakland County attributes the rise in non-injury crashes to driver behavior, particularly lane changes within the roundabout, but emphasizes the design reduced serious injuries and fatalities compared to a previous signalized intersection.

A Wayne County man won $500,000 from the Michigan Lottery’s Emerald 7s instant game but became too excited to drive home after discovering his win. He purchased the winning ticket at a Kroger store in Commerce Township and later claimed his prize at Lottery headquarters.

A 13-year-old boy was struck by a car while riding an e-bike in Commerce Township but remains in stable condition. The incident occurred on Welch Road, with authorities indicating the teen was in a crosswalk. Concerns about e-bike safety and regulations, including a recent ban in Dearborn Heights, highlight ongoing debates over their use.