TROY (WWJ) – A man who was riding his bike on a Metro Detroit freeway has been arrested after allegedly threatening to hit a Michigan State Police trooper with a metal rod.
The incident happened around 8 p.m. Sunday along I-696 near I-75, ending with police finding a 66-year-old Troy man in possession of multiple other weapons.
The trooper was called to the freeway after getting reports of the man riding his bike on the freeway. She called for backup when the man was not following her orders, MSP officials said.
The suspect, carrying a black metal rod in his hand, allegedly started to move towards the trooper and at one point raised it above his head “in a threatening manner,” according to MSP.
The trooper continued to try to de-escalate the situation by talking with the suspect and having him put down the weapon. When her sergeant arrived on scene, he also tried to de-escalate the situation and get the male drop the weapon.
As the sergeant was talking with the suspect, the trooper “used the distraction to come from behind” and take the metal rod from his hand, officials said. The suspect was then arrested without further incident.
As authorities were searching the suspect, they found two large butcher knives – one in his waistband and one in his coat pocket. He also had pepper spray, officials said.
The man, whose name has not been released, was taken to the Oakland County Jail, pending charges.
“We are extremely proud of the way the trooper and her sergeant were able to de-escalate this situation and take the suspect into custody. They were able to take their training and decision making skills to keep this situation from getting worse,” MSP First Lt. Mike Shaw said on social media.