Detroit and Southfield police used the power of television to follow and apprehend a fleeing motorist Friday morning after a lengthy chase through neighborhood streets.
The pursuit began during the morning rush hour when police say the suspect tried to run over an officer on foot and then rammed a squad car near 8 Mile Road and Grand River. Southfield officers chased the man in and out of neighbors, all while SkyFOX flew overhead and FOX 2 broadcast the pursuit on air.
Police called FOX 2 and asked producers to continue showing the footage and requested metro chopper reporter Bill Szumanski to say the names of the streets he was flying over. Szumanski was joined by Joel Alexander and photographer Mike Lindeman, who all kept close tabs until the chase ended at Livernios and Northfolk on the city's west side.
A short time after the suspect was arrested, officers gave the thumbs' up sign to SkyFOX for a job well done.
"We noticed (the helicopter) was flying above us," said Southfield Sgt. Tim Barr. "They got their camera going and they tracked it for us. We had lost him a couple times for a little bit and they were able to monitor for us and kept us right on the car."
Police tell FOX 2 the suspect is a 39-year-old Detroit man wanted for larceny. He was the subject of an undercover operation by Southfield police. They say he stole dozens of items from cars and apartments over the past several months.
He is being held by Southfield police awaiting charges.
Thursday, May 16 2013 1:05 PM EDT2013-05-16 17:05:51 GMT
Detroit ditto heads rejoice. Your leader is interested in news in Detroit, at least enough to qualify a report on a large Powerball jackpot as more proof that 'low-information outreach' is working.
Detroit ditto heads rejoice. Your leader is interested in news in Detroit, at least enough to qualify a report on a large Powerball jackpot as more proof that 'low-information outreach' is working.
Thursday, May 16 2013 6:14 AM EDT2013-05-16 10:14:39 GMT
The Powerball jackpot has soared to $475 million after none of the tickets sold matched all the winning numbers in Wednesday night's drawing: 2, 11, 26, 34, 41 and a Powerball of 32.
The Powerball jackpot has soared to $475 million after none of the tickets sold matched all the winning numbers in Wednesday night's drawing: 2, 11, 26, 34, 41 and a Powerball of 32.
Monday, May 20 2013 11:42 AM EDT2013-05-20 15:42:57 GMT
Perfect weather for a wonderful cause on Saturday in downtown Detroit and some Fox 2 viewers shared a few photos with us to help capture the day. Take a look and add your photos.
Perfect weather for a wonderful cause on Saturday in downtown Detroit and some Fox 2 viewers shared a few photos with us to help capture the day. Take a look and add your photos.
Monday, May 20 2013 8:24 AM EDT2013-05-20 12:24:48 GMT
The Detroit Red Wings look to go up 2-1 in their second-round series tonight when they face the top-seeded Chicago Blackhawks at Joe Louis Arena. The Red Wings evened the series at 1-all with a 4-1 victory on Saturday.
The Detroit Red Wings look to go up 2-1 in their second-round series tonight when they face the top-seeded Chicago Blackhawks at Joe Louis Arena. The Red Wings evened the series at 1-all with a 4-1 victory on Saturday.
Monday, May 20 2013 6:10 AM EDT2013-05-20 10:10:15 GMT
A trip to Subway turned into a nightmare for an elderly Berkley couple Friday afternoon in Commerce Township. Oakland County Sheriffs say a man left his 74-year-old wife in the car, while he ran inside
A trip to Subway turned into a nightmare for an elderly Berkley couple Friday afternoon in Commerce Township. Oakland County Sheriffs say a man left his 74-year-old wife in the car, while he ran inside
Sunday, May 19 2013 9:08 PM EDT2013-05-20 01:08:52 GMT
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.