FARMINGTON HILLS (WWJ) - It's an update to a story reported earlier this week in Farmington Hills. Two suspects were arrested and one charged -- but three men are still being sought after they managed to get away from officers when they bailed out of a stolen vehicle during a police pursuit.
According to Farmington Hills Police Chief Jeff King, the incident began around 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 8, when police began pursuing a vehicle on Middlebelt Road south of Grand River Ave.
The vehicle, a grey 2024 Dodge Durango, upon seeing marked patrol cars moving to block its travel sped up and actively attempted to evade them.
King said there were five suspects in the fleeing vehicle that were wanted for a stolen license plate/vehicle.
The car chase ended when the suspects intentionally crashed into a marked police vehicle which had attempted to slow down and block the vehicle's escape path.
The collision disabled the police vehicle and caused severe damage to the fleeing vehicle. The suspects then took off on foot.
King said officers ran after them and managed to take one suspect into custody immediately.
A short while later, a second suspect was found and arrested while attempting to flee in a secondary vehicle.
The Oakland County Prosecutors Office charged Destinee Amorie James with Felony Resisting and Obstructing Police, a two-year felony.
The other suspect, a 24-year-old male, remains in custody, with charges pending.
The other three suspects evaded officers and got away,
"A review of video obtained after officers cleared the area revealed that the one of the suspects was armed with and attempting to conceal a compact assault rifle, as he fled from officers," Chief King said in a prepared statement. "This suspect was taken into custody, and the rifle was later recovered."
Officers said Friday that weapon was an AK-47 style rifle which has been referred to in social media posts as a “DRACO”.
The chief said officers also found a Glock 22 pistol with an extended 30 round magazine inside the suspect's vehicle, which was found to have been reported stolen.
Investigators are actively pursuing leads which they believe will identify the remaining at large suspects.
The three remaining suspects are identified as follows:
• Black male, thin build, braided hair, 18-21 yoa, wearing a camouflage hooded jacket, black pants wearing black and yellow Air Jordans.
• Black male, thin build, 18-21 yoa, black over brown hooded jacket, brown hat, black pants, white shoes.
• Black male, medium build, braided hair, 18-21 yoa, black hooded Nike sweatshirt, black pants.
While they are turning to the public for help, the department warned against anyone approaching them.
"Do not attempt to confront these individuals," police advised.
Anyone who might recognize these suspects or anyone who sees them should call 911 immediately.
The vehicle was stolen from the Jefferson Assembly Plant in Detroit approximately two weeks ago.
"Chief King attributes the safe arrest of the suspects and recovery of a pistol and an assault rifle from our streets to the dedication, professionalism, and training of the officers involved," the department added.