Dumb criminals are a dime a dozen, so it’s somewhat refreshing to see one who can think on their feet.
The story begins on Friday night around 9:35 PM, when members of the Michigan State Police Aviation unit were patrolling the skies over Metro Detroit. During their watch, they noticed a black Dodge Charger “driving recklessly at a high rate of speed” on both freeways and surface streets.
They called in ground support and a sergeant attempted to make a traffic stop. The suspect fled and instead of engaging in a pursuit, the helicopter continued following the car for approximately 45 minutes.
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After driving “all over Wayne County,” the Charger pulled in front of a Walmart and the driver ran inside. Interestingly, police said the 20 year old man from Redford “attempted to disguise himself as a Walmart worker” and was found in the back stockroom. Once troopers identified the suspect, he reportedly “ran through the store … until he was taken into custody near the front door.”
Michigan State Police Public Information Officer Lt Mike Shaw said, “This suspect pretty much checked all the boxes for what we have been seeing lately. Reckless driving, failing to stop for police, and having a stolen car.” While Shaw didn’t give the man points for creativity, he noted “you can’t outrun a helicopter, so now he is in jail.”