Detroit High Speed Chase Results in Shooting of 2 Officers and 1 Suspect’s Death

April 4, 2013
by The Law Office of Steven L. Schwartz

Earlier this week, two police officers were shot during the course of pursuing a murder suspect. It began when the officers attempted to stop the vehicle, and quickly evolved into a high speed chase.

2 Officers Shot and 1 Suspect Died after Detroit High Speed Chase

Witnesses report seeing an estimated eight police cars chasing the suspect’s car, a silver Dodge Magnum. Police eventually boxed the car in, forcing it to crash into one of the police cruisers near Linwood and Hooker streets. The suspect then began shooting at the officers, in what quickly resulted in an eruption of gunfire.

The shootout resulted in the suspect’s death and the wounding of two of the officers. One of the officers, a sergeant, was shot in the head. He is reportedly out of surgery but is in critical condition. The other officer, who was shot in the leg, has already been released from the hospital.

According to the Michigan Department of Corrections, the man who was killed was paroled last October after serving time for armed robbery and weapons charges. The passenger, who was arrested following the incident, is reportedly on probation for identity theft and a delivering and manufacturing of a controlled substance charge.

The officers serve on a joint federal, state and local anti-crime task force. The Comprehensive Violence Reduction Partnership is made up of Detroit police officers, Michigan State Police officers, Michigan Department of Corrections officers and U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agents.

The takeaway lesson from this tragic shooting is that if police are attempting to stop you, you should not run. Aside from the dangers posed to innocent bystanders, officers, and yourself, nothing good can ever come from a chase. You will also most likely incur additional charges. In this case, for example, because the driver’s failure to stop resulted in a collision, the driver could have faced a felony charge, and up to five years in prison, in addition to a potential fine of $1,000. Causing a serious injury would have bumped that up to potentially 10 years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine.

Instead, allow the officers to pull you over and cooperate with their instructions. However, you are always well advised to take advantage of your right to remain silent. Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as practicable and do not answer police questions without counsel present.

Attorney Steven L. Schwartz is a pre-eminent Michigan criminal defense attorney, with over 25 years of experience serving the Detroit area. His practice is dedicated entirely to criminal defense matters. In his dedication to his clients, he strives to ensure a dismissal, not guilty verdict or reduced charges. Attorney Schwartz has additionally received the distinguished honor of being AV Rated by the Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating System. He takes pride in being accessible to clients and potential clients 24/7. If you want a criminal defense attorney in the Detroit area who is experienced and dedicated, you can reach us through our website or by calling (248) 266-8720 to schedule your free initial consultation.

Two Detroit Area Men Believed to be Part of Crime Ring Face Numerous Theft Charges, Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog, published March 27, 2013.
Mayor Announces Plan to Fight Crime: DETRO1T ONE, Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog, published March 20, 2013.