(WWJ) A 34-year-old Roseville man faces a slew of serious charges after allegedly leading police on a dangerous early-morning pursuit through multiple Macomb County communities, ramming into a patrol car, and fleeing on foot while armed with a knife.
The incident unfolded around 2:30 a.m. on Friday, when Eastpointe police officers tried to pull a vehicle driven by Demarco Jeremiah Vines.
Authorities say the chase originally began in Roseville following an initial report of a felonious assault. Rather than pulling over, Vines sped away, leading officers on a high-speed chase through heavy traffic corridors.
Investigators allege that during the chase, Vines swerved into oncoming traffic directly toward a pursuing police sergeant. Moments later, near Gratiot Avenue, Vines allegedly slammed his vehicle into another officer’s cruiser, leaving the squad car disabled.
To end the threat to the public, a second officer used their patrol vehicle to ram and disable Vines’ car near the intersection of 8 Mile Road and Gratiot Avenue.
Vines then fled the wrecked vehicle on foot while carrying a knife, according to prosecutors. Warren police officers joined the search and located him a short time later, taking him into custody without further incident.
Vines was arraigned in 38th District Court in Eastpointe on Friday on felony charges of feeling and eluding police, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assaulting, resisting or obstructing a police officer.
Addressing the severity of the allegations, Macomb County Prosecutor Pete Lucido called for state lawmakers to implement harsher penalties for drivers who run from law enforcement.
“Fleeing from law enforcement is a dangerous and reckless act that puts officers and the public at risk. It is time for the Michigan Legislature to enact mandatory prison time for individuals who flee police and endanger lives. This behavior must carry serious consequences,” said Lucido, in a statement.
Bond for Vines was set at $750,000/10%. If he does post bond, he will be placed under house arrest with a steel-cuff GPS tether and is barred from operating motor vehicle.
Vines' next court appearance is set for November 17.
