FARMINGTON HILLS (WWJ) – A 25-year-old Warren woman is facing felony charges after allegedly fleeing police at speeds approaching 100 mph with a 14-year-old girl in her car last week in Farmington Hills.
Selena Martin has been arraigned on one count each of felony fleeing and eluding and misdemeanor driving with a suspended license.
The charges stem from a high speed chase on Nov. 8 in which Martin and the teen girl allegedly abandoned a puppy in a construction dumpster because it was "slowing their escape," according to Farmington Hills police officials.
It all unfolded during evening rush hour when Farmington Hills police officers tried to pull Martin over for a traffic offense on Haggerty Road near 10 Mile Road. As soon as officers initiated the stop, the suspect "immediately accelerated away from the officers, weaving between vehicles and driving into oncoming traffic."
They gave chase for about a minute, but terminated the pursuit because the suspect's vehicle "was traveling at a high rate of speed, cutting off other vehicles and driving through an intersection against a red light."
Police officials say Martin continued driving recklessly for about six more miles, "endangering countless citizens of our community."
Officers on patrol in the area clocked Martin going over 100 mph on M-5 and passing other cars on the shoulder.
The vehicle exited at Grand River Avenue and continued driving recklessly, where the suspect vehicle was seen changing direction before continuing on Grand River Avenue to northbound Orchard Lake Road at more than 80 mph.
Farmington Hills Police Chief Jeff King saw part of the incident unfold as he was stopped at a red light at Orchard Lake Road and 11 Mile Roads in his personal vehicle. Officials say he saw Martin's car pass traffic in a right-turn-only lane and almost lose control while going an estimated 90 mph.
King noted there were no police cars chasing the car at the time, or even visible in the area.
A few moments later, the car slammed into a civilian car on Orchard Lake, just south of 12 Mile. The car suffered heavy damage and became immobilized after the crash, according to police.
Officers quickly showed up to the scene of the crash after getting multiple 911 calls reporting that two people were fleeing from the scene.
While officers found that no one was injured in the other car involved, they set up a perimeter in the area and the suspects were soon arrested.
"We've seen an alarming increase in the number of incidents of fleeing from police," King said, per a press release. "It's concerning that even when police terminate a pursuit, the fleeing suspects still feel emboldened to continue their reckless behavior and put community members in significant danger. This type of dangerous, criminal behavior will not be tolerated in the City of Farmington Hills."
After they had been taken into custody, officers learned the suspects had abandoned a puppy in a construction dumpster, as it was slowing their escape. Officers began to check dumpsters in the area and soon recovered the puppy, unharmed.
The puppy has been adopted by a community member, who wishes to remain anonymous. Officials did not say whether Martin will face charges for abandoning the dog.
Authorities say Martin is not related to the 14-year-old girl, also from Warren. It was not clear why they were together. Both of them were taken to the hospital with neck injuries following the crash. The teen was turned over to a guardian.
Wednesday's incident wasn't the first time Martin tried to get away from the cops, having two prior convictions of fleeing and eluding, both a month apart in August and September of 2021.
Martin's bond was set at $10,000, 10% cash/surety. Her next court date is scheduled for Nov. 22. She remains in custody at the Oakland County Jail.
