Raven is a 2017 Ford Police Interceptor Utility.
Vehicle Specs
Engine • 3.7L V6 Cyclone – 304 hp
Transmission • 6-speed auto (6F 55)
Packages • Ready for the Road, Drivers LED Spotlight
Usage • Supervisor – Anne Arundel County Police Department
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, 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 vehicle
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 late-2023 to early-2024 and later sold to me in June of that year.
Purchase and disaster
I 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, I 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, I was not injured in the incident, and was the only person involved in the crash.
An off-duty Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office 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.
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.
A second disaster
I left early morning to go to Columbus, Ohio on November 14, 2024. For reasons relating to other people, I will not explain why here. As we were leaving, I was following the people I had gone with on an Ohio freeway. While following them, a Volkswagen SUV had cut me off, causing me to swerve to the far left lane to avoid hitting the Volkswagen SUV and other vehicles. When I looked over to continue following the other vehicle, I observed them exiting the freeway. I continued onward to find the next exit, without navigation. While changing lanes back to the right lane, I didn’t notice a 2010 Ford F-250 in the FPIU’s blind spot.
Just east of the N. High St. bridge (William) attempted to take the exit onto N 3rd St and cut in front of (other driver). The right rear corner of (Interceptor) struck the left front corner of (F-250), which caused (William) to lose control and strike the wall on the south side of the roadway.
It was my fault. I have never contested that.
I was injured and had to be transported to the hospital. I was wearing a seatbelt, but smashing into a wall at 40 MPH and getting slapped in the face with an airbag hurts.
The problem with insurance
Insurance companies hate paying out. My claim was denied four separate times. The other driver was paid out, but all other expenses came out of my pocket.
What now?
I still own Raven. She is still destroyed. There is no plans for her as of September 2026.