FARMINGTON HILLS (WWJ) — A Dearborn man has been charged after allegedly leading multiple Metro Detroit police agencies on chases as he recklessly drove his motorcycle.
Farmington Hills police officials say 26-year-old Abdel Tarabah "taunted" officers, "popped wheelies" and topped out at 140 mph during his joyride, which ended with his surrender in a parking lot when he ran out of gas.
It all began late Tuesday night when the Dearborn Police Department tried to pull him over after spotting his motorcycle — which had no visible license plate — driving recklessly, but he fled at a high rate of speed.
Officials say he "repeatedly taunted officers" during the pursuit, which was cut short when the Michigan State Police helicopter, Trooper 3, arrived in the area and began following his motorcycle.
The chopper saw Tarabah drive through multiple jurisdictions, where he continued to drive recklessly.
He was seen "popping wheelies" while traveling at speeds of 90-100 mph, leaving the roadway, driving through yards, and reaching speeds of more than 140 mph, even when no officers were pursuing, Farmington Hills police officials said.
Tarabah allegedly sped away from another traffic stop initiated by the Redford Township Police Department. That pursuit was also terminated as the suspect continued to reach speeds of more than 100 mph.
Just after midnight, Trooper 3 notified Farmington Hills police that he had entered the city. FHPD officers responded to the area of Middlebelt Road near Eight Mile Road, and spotted Tarabah's motorcycle, though he fled once again.
Officers chased Tarabah eastbound on Grand River Avenue from Middlebelt Road, but Tarabah "abruptly reversed his course of travel and proceeded back westbound on Grand River Avenue," officials said. He again continued at speeds near 100 mph as he looped Grand River Avenue between Purdue Street and Middlebelt Road.
Authorities say Tarabah finally pulled over into a parking lot near Purdue Street and immediately surrendered to police, holding his hands in the air.
Tarabah told approaching officers that he was armed with a handgun. Officers took a loaded 9mm handgun from his waistband and took him into custody. That's when officers discovered the bike had run out of gas.
"When an individual flees from police, they endanger the public at large, the officers in pursuit and themselves," Farmington Hills Police Chief Jeff King said, per a press release. "It is their choices and their actions that jeopardize the people and communities we have sworn to protect."
King said the number of suspects who flee traffic stops "has increased at an alarming rate."
Tarabah was arraigned Thursday, charged with one count of third-degree fleeing and eluding and one count of felony firearm. His bond was set at $10,000 cash/surety or 10%. He remains in custody at the Oakland County Jail.
Tarabah may face additional charges out of Dearborn and Redford in connection with the chases in those cities.
