Mich. Deputy Police Chief: State Needs Tougher Fleeing Laws

For one Downriver police official, a suspect who got away after leading an officer on a high-speed chase is symptomatic of a much larger problem.

The incident occurred shortly after 5 a.m. Dec. 18 in the area of Emmons and Edcliff Court in Wyandotte. An officer on patrol spotted a black Dodge Durango "creeping around" the neighborhood.

The vehicle slowly pulled onto Edcliff Court, which according to Wyandotte Deputy Police Chief Archie Hamilton seemed suspicious, since the only people who turn onto the court are those making deliveries, those who reside there or people who are visiting residents who live there. The person driving the Durango didn't appear to fit into any of those categories, and especially not at that time of day.

As the officer approached, the Durango backed up from Emmons. Upon seeing the police vehicle, the driver quickly took off, speeding westbound on Emmons in an effort to elude police.

The officer activated his emergency equipment and pursued the vehicle at speeds exceeding 70 mph. The suspect turned off the vehicle's headlights and turned north on Ferris, from Emmons. The officer terminated the pursuit due to the reckless actions of the driver.

Although the suspect escaped, there was no question in Hamilton's mind that this officer prevented a crime. Wyandotte police believe the suspect was in the neighborhood with intentions of committing a theft or burglary.

In Hamilton's estimation, the officer's situational awareness and actions prevented this person from victimizing residents while they were likely sleeping.

"Again, this is another example why our lawmakers need to enhance the charge for fleeing and eluding," Hamilton said. "As of now, these criminals are not deterred from going out and committing crimes because they know they can get away by simply fleeing at high speeds, and if they do get caught there are no real consequences.

"Furthermore, our current laws and political climate encourage criminals to make pursuits more dangerous by turning off their lights and driving in the wrong lanes of traffic because they know the more dangerous they make the pursuit, the more likely it will be terminated. Perhaps the Congress members who represent us will act before an innocent person or family is killed."

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