FARMINGTON HILLS — The Farmington Hills Police Department recently arrested a Warren woman following a brief pursuit.
Selena Maria Martin, 25, is facing one count of felony fleeing and eluding and one count of misdemeanor driving while license suspended in connection with the incident.
A 14-year-old passenger, also of Warren, was also detained.
On Wednesday, Nov. 8, during the evening rush hour, Farmington Hills police officers attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic offense on Haggerty Road, near 10 Mile Road, according to a press release.
The vehicle immediately accelerated away from the officers, weaving between vehicles and driving into oncoming traffic.
The officers pursued the vehicle for approximately one minute before terminating the pursuit.
“The officers correctly decided to terminate the pursuit, as the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed, cutting off other vehicles and driving through an intersection against a red light,” the release states. “The suspect vehicle continued driving recklessly for approximately six additional miles, endangering countless citizens of our community.”
Local patrol officers saw the vehicle driving more than 100 mph on M-5 and passing vehicles on the shoulder, according to the release.
The vehicle exited at Grand River Avenue and continued driving recklessly. It was seen changing direction and continued on Grand River Avenue to northbound Orchard Lake Road at more than 80 mph.
Farmington Hills Police Chief Jeff King, who was stopped at a red light on Orchard Lake Road at 11 Mile Road in his personal vehicle, saw the suspect vehicle pass traffic in a right-turn-only lane in excess of 90 mph and almost lose control, according to the release.
“Chief King noted that there were no police vehicles pursuing the suspect or visible in the area at this time,” the release states.
The suspect vehicle crashed into a civilian vehicle moments later on Orchard Lake Road, just south of 12 Mile Road.
The suspect vehicle was heavily damaged and became immobilized, according to the release.
Officers responded to the area of the crash after numerous 911 calls were received, indicating that a crash had occurred and the occupants were fleeing the scene on foot, according to the release.
Officers discovered that no one was injured in the vehicle that was hit by the suspect.
“A perimeter was quickly established, and the suspects were apprehended,” the release states. “Once the suspects were apprehended, officers learned that the suspects had abandoned a puppy in a construction dumpster, as it was slowing their escape. Officers began to check dumpsters in the area and recovered the puppy unharmed. The puppy has been adopted by a community member, who wishes to remain anonymous.”
Martin and the passenger both reportedly complained of neck injuries suffered during the crash and were transported for medical treatment.
According to the release, the juvenile is not related to Martin and was turned over to a guardian.
Martin has been previously convicted of fleeing and eluding police on two other occasions, both in 2021, according to the release.
Martin was arraigned before Judge James Brady of the 47th District Court, and a $10,000, 10% cash surety bond was set.
Martin is scheduled for a pre-exam conference Nov. 22.
According to the release, she remains in custody at the Oakland County Jail. No information was provided as to why Martin attempted to flee police.
No attorney is listed for Martin.
“We’ve seen an alarming increase in the number of incidents of fleeing from police,” King stated in the release. “It’s concerning that even when police terminate a pursuit, the fleeing suspects still feel emboldened to continue their reckless behavior and put community members in significant danger. This type of dangerous, criminal behavior will not be tolerated in the City of Farmington Hills.”