Police say woman hit patrol cars, parked vehicles while driving drunk

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Shelby Township police were called for a vehicle that had struck several parked vehicles in the area of 24 Mile Road and Van Dyke Avenue and was still driving around the area July 21.

When officers responded to the area of Ruann Drive and Connies Drive and located the suspect vehicle, the driver of the vehicle allegedly rammed a patrol car as the officer was attempting to stop her vehicle. A second patrol vehicle and officer got involved, and police said the driver struck that patrol vehicle as well. Then, while trying to flee, police said, the suspect drove aggressively toward bystanders, who jumped out of the way.

The driver then started to drive through backyards in an attempt to get away from officers, police said, before she allegedly struck a post and came to a stop.

In a press release Aug. 1, Shelby Township police identified Madison Forsyth, 33, of Rochester, as the driver of the vehicle and said that she appeared to be intoxicated at the time of the stop. Officers conducted field sobriety tests and then offered Forsyth a preliminary breath test. The PBT resulted in a 0.25% blood alcohol content.

Forsyth was arrested for operating while intoxicated, fleeing and eluding police, and felonious assault with a dangerous weapon. On July 22, Forsyth was arraigned on the three counts at 41A District Court in Shelby Township in front of Magistrate James A. Verploeg. Forsyth was released from custody after paying a $500 bond.

Sgt. Kevin Bailey, from the Shelby Township Police Department, said the whole incident could have been prevented and lives not put in danger if the driver had made different choices.

 “The female driver gave no reason on her actions on that night. This was a very preventable crime. Shelby Township has a zero tolerance on drinking and driving. I am happy that no bystanders were injured when they were standing outside after hearing the commotion outside. The female driver not only drove at innocent people, she also damaged several vehicles along with two patrol vehicles,” he said.

Forsyth’s attorney, William Barnwell, declined to comment.

“Shelby Township Police are committed to protecting and serving our community from this type of reckless behavior,” Shelby Township Police Chief Robert Shelide said in the press release. “Our department will continue to have zero tolerance to drive under the influence of alcohol. I am just as shocked that this driver wreaked havoc in Shelby township causing damage to multiple vehicles before driving right at innocent civilians, thankful no one was injured. I was stunned to hear that Forsyth was allowed to leave after paying such a low bond after all the damage and danger she inflicted.”

The 41A District Court declined to comment when contacted.