Suspect driver in short-lived Warren police pursuit dies after running red light, slamming into Penske box truck

WARREN (WWJ) - A suspect driver is dead after police say he took off from officers during a traffic stop on Tuesday afternoon, ran a red light and crashed into two trucks -- including a Penske box truck -- in Warren.

Warren Police Commissioner Bill Dwyer confirmed the suspect died at the scene of the crash at 10 Mile and Ryan after he was pulled from the wreckage shortly after noon on December 26th.

According to Dwyer, the incident began when two uniformed Warren police officers in a marked cruiser saw a 2015 Chevy Cruze commit a traffic violation while on patrol in the area of Van Dyke and Stephens.

The officers pulled over the driver of the Chevy, who was identified as the sole occupant of the vehicle, and approached the man to explain why they stopped him.

When officers requested the driver's identification, the man stated he didn't have any before police asked that he exit his vehicle. The driver allegedly put his car into drive and took off on the officers, which sparked a police pursuit.

Dwyer said the officers notified dispatch of the chase around 12:09 p.m. and followed the Chevy onto northbound Lawrence, south of 10 Mile in Center Line. The suspect cut across a grassy field in the area before getting onto westbound 10 Mile before approaching Ryan.

According to police, the light at the intersection of Ryan and 10 Mile Road was red when the suspect approached. The driver allegedly disregarded the signal and blew through the light for westbound Ryan, striking a Ford F-150 pickup truck and slamming into a Penske box truck.

"Officers immediately requested Fire Department personnel and attempted to rescue the driver," Dwyer stated. "The driver was then pronounced deceased at the scene."

No other motorists were reported injured in the incident.

The chase, from start to finish, lasted only three minutes, Dwyer said, and was closely monitored by patrol supervisors.

"Traffic was light and the speeds were moderate throughout the entire pursuit," the commissioner added.

"We are aware of one handgun being located in the vehicle at this point in the investigation," Dwyer continued. "I know that our investigators will be examining the driver's background to gather more insight into this situation. This driver is dead due to the choice he made to flee from officers. Fleeing the police unfortunately cost this driver his life."

This is a developing story. Stay tuned to WWJ LIVE for the latest updates.