Roseville

Motorcyclist in critical condition after 90-mph chase

By Sara Kandel
C & G Staff Writer

A Clinton Township man is in critical condition after he fled a traffic stop at high speeds on Sunday, July 22.

The 18-year-old driver of the motorcycle initially pulled over after being tagged driving 69 mph in a 30-mph zone near Wildwood and Hayes on the city’s south end, but after the officer exited her vehicle and began approaching him on foot, he sped away.

“Once the officer got near the suspect, the suspect put his motorcycle in gear and fled at a high rate of speed, estimated to be in excess of 90 miles per hour, eastbound on 11 Mile Road.” Police Chief James Berlin said in a written statement.

The officer returned to her vehicle and gave chase, following the same route the now out-of-site motorcyclist took. The officer didn’t make it far before being flagged down by a motorist at 11 Mile and Barkman. The motorist informed her that he was just rear-ended by a motorcyclist traveling at high speeds.

“In his haste to escape a ticket, the motorcyclist, unable to stop in time for a vehicle that was stopped in the roadway for a red traffic signal, rear-ended the stopped vehicle, careening off it and into a light standard before finally coming to a stop,” Berlin said.

The suspect suffered numerous injuries in the crash and is currently listed in critical condition at a local hospital, where he was slated to undergo surgery Monday morning, July 23.

It is unknown why the suspect fled, but police say it appears to be for no other reason than to avoid another traffic citation on an already poor driving record.

At the time of the crash, the suspect’s license was suspended for an unsatisfactory driving record and he did not have a motorcycle endorsement.

As a result of the incident, if and when the suspect is released from the hospital, he will be charged with driving with a suspended license and fleeing and eluding police.
 

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Sara Kandel at skandel@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1030.