DETROIT (WWJ) - Authorities are trying to piece together why a suspect in a stolen vehicle was dressed like an officer and had discarded an illegal gun during a police chase in Detroit on Thursday morning.
Michigan State Police said the trouble began around 12:40 a.m. on Thursday when they spotted a Dodge Durango driving recklessly in the City of Detroit.
Troopers went to initiate a traffic stop, but the male driver of the SUV took off from the scene. MSP said troopers on the ground did not pursue the vehicle, but instead let their aviation unit in Trooper 2 keep tabs on the suspect from the sky.
Trooper 2, the unit's helicopter, followed the suspect as they drove throughout Detroit and partially into Oakland County. MSP said the suspect bailed from the SUV on foot near Eureka and Lantz Street.
Trooper 2 was able to guide ground forces to where the man was hiding and he was arrested without further incident.
But MSP First Lt. Mike Shaw says they're left with more questions than answers after they discovered the suspect was apprehended wearing what appeared to be a police vest.
In addition, MSP's aviation unit told police that the suspect had been running with a bag that he apparently discarded prior to being arrested. Troopers searched the area where the man had been and found a Glock equipped with a Glock switch and an extended magazine.
During their investigation, troopers also discovered the Durango the suspect was driving was reported as stolen.
"We have a lot of questions about the police vest, the gun, and the stolen vehicle and what the suspect was planning," Shaw said.
As the investigation continues, Shaw praised MSP's aviation unit as well as Metro South troopers for getting "a dangerous suspect off our streets."
No other details were released.
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