Police helicopter chase of ATV leads to attempted car jacking and cras

Michigan State Police released aerial video showing a July 1 pursuit involving a reportedly stolen four-wheeler, an attempted carjacking and a wrong-way crash on Gratiot Avenue in Detroit.

According to a Michigan State Police Second District post, the helicopter known as Trooper 2 assisted the Troy and Detroit police departments during a stolen ATV investigation.

MSP said the suspect attempted to carjack another vehicle while fleeing law enforcement.

The helicopter video shows the ATV driver reaching speeds of up to 60 mph and, at times, driving against traffic.

The driver eventually hit the back of a minivan and allegedly attempted to carjack it. The minivan’s owner fought back and pulled the driver from the seat, according to the video.

After being removed from the minivan, the driver got back on the four-wheeler and continued before abandoning it again near a white Jeep Grand Cherokee. The woman driving the Jeep moved to the passenger seat while the ATV driver got into the driver’s seat.

The Jeep later reached speeds of up to 100 mph on Gratiot Avenue on Detroit’s east side. The driver lost control, crossed into oncoming traffic, fishtailed, narrowly missed two vehicles and crashed into an uninvolved minivan.

The video shows people inside the Jeep fleeing on foot. MSP said Trooper 2’s aerial support helped officers safely track the suspect, coordinate the response and make an arrest.

Legal options after a police pursuit crash

Michigan law has a separate misdemeanor provision that may apply when an off-road vehicle operator willfully flees or eludes a lawful police signal to stop. The statute includes specific conditions, including requirements concerning the officer and police vehicle. See MCL 324.81146.

The reported attempt to take the minivan could also lead investigators to evaluate potential carjacking-related charges. Under MCL 750.529a, carjacking involves using force, violence, a threat of force or violence, or putting a person in fear while committing or attempting to commit a motor-vehicle larceny. Whether those elements are met depends on the evidence.

What legal options may be available to an innocent bystander hit during a Michigan pursuit?

A person injured in the uninvolved minivan may be entitled to Personal Injury Protection benefits through the applicable no-fault coverage, regardless of who caused the crash. Coverage, insurance priority, policy selections and the facts of the claim can affect what benefits are available.

Under MCL 500.3107, PIP benefits may include allowable medical expenses, wage loss and replacement services, subject to applicable statutory requirements and coverage limits.

A separate claim for pain and suffering may be available against an at-fault driver if the injured person meets Michigan’s threshold for death, serious impairment of body function or permanent serious disfigurement under MCL 500.3135.

Get help from Michigan Legal Center

Michigan Legal Center is the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates. Our attorneys help injured people and families across Michigan with personal injury, car crashes, no-fault claims, insurance disputes, serious injury claims and wrongful death cases.

If you or a loved one was injured in a Michigan car crash, call Michigan Legal Center at (248) 886-8650 or contact Michigan Legal Center for a consultation.

There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.

Michigan Legal Center can help you navigate issues involving Michigan car accident medical bills, PIP priority and car accident claims.