HARPER WOODS, Mich. (WWJ) – A 38-year-old man spent Christmas night in jail after apparently causing a high-speed crash in Harper Woods and trying to flee police, only to seek help from an off-duty officer.
Michigan State Police say they spotted a man driving an older model Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck at a high rate of speed around 2:45 p.m. on Saturday.
The suspect entered and exited the eastbound lanes of I-94 in an attempt to evade officers. After exiting the freeway, MSP says the driver ran a red light and “gained a considerable lead on troopers.”
Troopers did not immediately pursue after realizing he was fleeing.
The driver continued along the eastbound I-94 Service Drive (Harper Avenue) and a short time later police saw the aftermath of a crash at Harper and Vernier. One of the vehicles involved was the Silverado that fled from troopers, MSP said.
Police say the driver of the Silverado ran east from the scene of the crash and Harper Woods police assisted with a K-9 track and a limited perimeter
Authorities were able to track the suspect down a while later when he came out of hiding and contacted a homeowner, requesting a call be placed to his girlfriend, who is the owner of the Silverado.
Little did he know, the homeowner was an off-duty Westland police officer who promptly called Harper Woods police, according to MSP.
Police recovered a firearm – which was reported stolen out of Tennessee – from the 38-year-old suspect, who is also a convicted felon.
Police are still investigating the incident.
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