(WWJ) A Macomb County man is behind bars after he allegedly stole from a store, then tried to make a getaway driving the wrong way on I-94.
Chesterfield Township Police Chief Bradley Kersten says it all started when a call came in about a retail fraud at a business at 23 Mile Rd. and Gratiot Ave., Monday evening.
Police began chasing the suspect, in what turned about to be a stolen car.
Kersten told WWJ's Sandra McNeill said it was a dangerous situation when the man entered I-94, driving westbound in the eastbound lanes.
"Very scary, very scary," Kersten said. "It's an extreme public risk and obviously when you go the wrong way on the freeway...you're putting everyone in jeopardy. We are very fortunate that no one was seriously injured or killed, or worse."
The suspect crashed into another car near Shook Road, Kersten said, but the wild escape attempt didn't stop there.
"He was able to exit his vehicle where he fled on foot. While he was fleeing down the freeway he was attempting to enter cars from individuals who had stopped. He was trying to gain access to the car and the people would lock their doors," Kersten said.
Failing to get a ride, the suspect ran off and was arrested a short time later at a nearby apartment building.
The name of the man, whom Kersten described as a "career criminal," is being withheld until he is formally charged.
An arraignment in the case is scheduled for Wednesday.
