Ferndale Police Catch Fleeing Suspect

A routine traffic stop for defective vehicle equipment in Ferndale on Friday afternoon turned into a chase through Detroit and resulted in the arrest of 19-year-old Detroit resident Brandon Lamar Williams.

At 4:15 p.m. Friday, pulled over the Ford Explorer Williams was driving, along with two passengers.

“As the officer approached the vehicle, the driver took off at a high rate of speed from the area of Nine Mile Road and Romeo,” Ferndale Police Det. Lt. William Wilson said in a statement.

Williams fled through the residential streets, hitting a fire hydrant at Romeo and Orchard, Wilson said. The suspect eventually made his way back toward Hilton, fled east toward Eight Mile, driving eastbound in the westbound traffic lanes.

Ferndale Police terminated the pursuit as Williams made his way into Detroit.

“Within seconds, Detroit Police picked up the suspect vehicle and another pursuit took place,” Wilson said.

Ferndale Police assisted in closing off the area streets.

“The suspect attempted to flee by driving through open lots between Annin and Carmel, but got stuck in the snow,” Wilson said.

Williams' two passengers were detained while Williams took off on foot but was caught by a Ferndale officer. Wilson said investigation showed the passengers, 19- and 20-year-old men, had committed no violations and were released. “Both said they tried to convince their friend not to run,” Wilson said.

Williams was driving with a suspended license. He was arraigned on charges of fleeing and eluding in the third degree that holds up to a five-year sentence. He was also charged with driving with a suspended license. He’s being held on a $50,000 bond.

Wilson said no one was hurt in the incident.