MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. (WXYZ) — A 29-year-old from New Baltimore is facing multiple felony charges after leading police on a chase through the streets of Macomb County Thursday morning with young children in the car.
The incident began shortly after 9 a.m. when deputies were alerted to an allegedly stolen silver Jeep Grand Cherokee. They attempted to stop the SUV on E. Price Drive near Metropolitan Parkway in Clinton Township, but the driver allegedly sped off.
The suspect drove east on E. Price Drive, continued on King Drive, blew the red traffic light and turned south on Harper Avenue.
Police say the suspect was driving recklessly, speeding and, at times, driving in the left turn lane into oncoming traffic.
Continuing to run from police, the suspect entered westbound I-94 from Harper Avenue, just south of 15 Mile Road. Deputies were unsuccessful when they attempted to box in the suspect.
The suspect then made a U-turn in the westbound lanes, driving the wrong way while heading eastbound in the westbound lanes. Officer say the suspect crisscrossed three lanes of oncoming traffic multiple times.
Video below shows wild police chase of wrong-way driver on I-94:
Ismael Pacheco was on his way to work at the time and noticed the wrong-way driver.
“It was crazy. I’m surprised no one was killed," he said.
Deputies tried to stop the suspect multiple times with various tactics before they stopped him on I-94 near Shook Road in Harrison Township. That's when officers discovered a 3-year-old and an infant in the backseat.
The children were taken to a nearby hospital, medically cleared and released to a family member.
"That’s really scary. They could’ve died easily inside that thing," Pacheco said.
One deputy received a minor injury in the incident; no other injuries were reported. Three sheriff's office vehicles were damaged.
The suspect, Devante Everette, was taken into custody and is being held at the Macomb County Jail. He was arraigned Friday at 41B Clinton Township District Court by Magistrate Ryan Zemke on charges of:
- Fourth-degree fleeing and eluding: a two-year felony
- Receiving and concealing a stolen motor vehicle: a five-year felony
- Two counts of second-degree child abuse: each count is a 10-year felony
Bond was set at $10,000 cash/surety. A probable cause conference is scheduled for April 23 at 8:30 a.m. by District Court Judge Sebastian Lucido.
"The reckless disregard for innocent lives allegedly displayed by this individual is staggering. The danger he allegedly placed those children in cannot be overstated. Such egregious behavior will be met with the full force of the law, as we seek to ensure the safety of our communities and hold him accountable for the serious consequences of his actions," Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said.
