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 7:30 PM EDT2013-05-20 23:30:05 GMT
There are new developments in the murder of a young woman in Grosse Pointe Park. Police have a person in custody in connection with the death of Sabrina Gianino, who was found strangled last week.
There are new developments in the murder of a young woman in Grosse Pointe Park. Police have a person in custody in connection with the death of Sabrina Gianino, who was found strangled last week.
Monday, May 20 2013 11:08 PM EDT2013-05-21 03:08:56 GMT
A small dog was taken from a woman's car on Sunday. Now a woman claims she wasn't trying to steal the dog. She was trying to save its life because it was locked in a car on a hot day.
A small dog was taken from a woman's car on Sunday. Now a woman claims she wasn't trying to steal the dog. She was trying to save its life because it was locked in a car on a hot day.
Monday, May 20 2013 11:03 PM EDT2013-05-21 03:03:59 GMT
Some residents in Clinton Township say they are upset over a horrible smell that seems to be at its peak when temperatures soar. They claim it has been going on for years.
Some residents in Clinton Township say they are upset over a horrible smell that seems to be at its peak when temperatures soar. They claim it has been going on for years.
Monday, May 20 2013 9:54 PM EDT2013-05-21 01:54:16 GMT
Wayne County Circuit Judge Wade McCree is fighting to save his job and his career. Monday, the woman who was once his mistress testified about their numerous sexual encounters.
He once said there was no shame in his game, but now Wayne County Circuit Judge Wade McCree is fighting to save his job and his career. Monday, the woman who was once his mistress testified about their numerous sexual encounters.
Monday, May 20 2013 8:28 PM EDT2013-05-21 00:28:46 GMT
As Bobby Ferguson faces a retrial on bid-rigging charges, he may have to represent himself. He refuses to fill out an application needed to determine if he qualifies for a court appointed lawyer.
As Bobby Ferguson faces a retrial on bid-rigging charges, he may have to represent himself. He refuses to fill out an application needed to determine if he qualifies for a court appointed lawyer.
Monday, May 20 2013 5:51 PM EDT2013-05-20 21:51:26 GMT
A church community in Canton is reeling over the death of a young man. He was just married on Saturday and less than 24 hours later killed in a car crash on the way to the couple's honeymoon. His bride survived.
A church community in Canton is reeling over the death of a young man. He was just married on Saturday and less than 24 hours later killed in a car crash on the way to the couple's honeymoon. His bride survived.
Monday, May 20 2013 3:26 PM EDT2013-05-20 19:26:50 GMT
It was supposed to be their big night, but prom turned into a big headache for teens from a local high school. Police showed up to crack down on an unauthorized limo service.
It was supposed to be their big night, but prom turned into a big headache for teens from a local high school. Police showed up to crack down on an unauthorized limo service.
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.