Farmington Hills Police Arrest Suspect After Pursuit of Reckless Motorcycle Ends Peacefully

The Farmington Hills Police Department (FHPD) arrested Abdel Rahman Tarabah, a 26-year-old male resident of Dearborn, for Fleeing and Eluding and Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony, following multiple pursuits through multiple jurisdictions.

On April 9, 2024, shortly before midnight, the Dearborn Police Department attempted to stop Tarabah’s motorcycle for reckless driving. Tarabah’s motorcycle had no visible license plate and fled from Dearborn officers at a high rate of speed. Tarabah repeatedly taunted officers during the pursuit. The pursuit was terminated when the Michigan State Police (MSP) helicopter, Trooper 3, arrived in the area and began to monitor Tarabah’s motorcycle.

Tropper 3 observed Tarabah’s motorcycle through several jurisdictions, where he continued to operate the vehicle in a reckless and dangerous manner. Tarabah was observed popping wheelies while traveling at speeds of 90-100 mph, leaving the roadway, driving through yards, and reaching speeds of more than 140 mph, even when no officers were pursuing. Tarabah then fled another traffic stop initiated by the Redford Township Police Department. This pursuit was also terminated when the Tarabah drove recklessly, hitting speeds of over 100 mph.

Utilizing the new P25 interoperable radio system, Trooper 3 notified FHPD just after midnight, that Tarabah’s motorcycle had entered Farmington Hills. FHPD officers responded to the area of Middlebelt Road near Eight Mile Road, and quickly located Tarabah’s motorcycle. FHPD officers attempted to stop Tarabah, however he again fled the stop at a high rate of speed. Officers pursued Tarabah eastbound on Grand River Avenue from Middlebelt Road, but Tarabah abruptly reversed his course of travel and proceeded back westbound on Grand River Avenue. Tarabah continued his travel path again at a high rate of speed with FHPD officers pursuing. Tarabah traveled at speeds near 100 mph as he looped Grand River Avenue between Purdue Street and Middlebelt Road. Tarabah finally pulled over into a parking lot near Purdue Street and immediately surrendered to police, holding his hands in the air. Tarabah advised approaching officers that he was armed with a handgun. Officers secured a loaded, 9mm handgun from Tarabah’s waist and took him into custody without incident. A closer inspection of the motorcycle revealed that it had run out of gas.

“When an individual flees from police, they endanger the public at large, the officers in pursuit and themselves,” said Farmington Hills Police Chief Jeff King. “It is their choices and their
actions, that jeopardize the people and communities we have sworn to protect. The number of suspects and vehicles fleeing from police has increased at an alarming rate and contrary to some opinions, these dangerous suspects continue their reckless and hazardous behavior, even after police terminate the pursuit.”

On April 11, the Oakland County Prosecutors Office (OCPO) authorized a two-count warrant, charging Tarabah with Fleeing & Eluding 3rd Degree and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony. Chief King would like to also thank Oakland County Prosecutor Keran McDonald and her office for their work in identifying and issuing the appropriate charges.

Tarabah was arraigned before Magistrate Sawicki of the 47th District Court, who set a $10,000.00, 10% cash surety bond. Martin remains in custody at the Oakland County Jail.

Farmington Hills investigators have been advised that the Dearborn and Redford Police Departments are pursuing charges against Abdel Rahman Tarabah in relation to this incident.

“I’m continually proud of the FHPD officers for their professionalism and passion for protecting the community. The peaceful resolution to this dangerous incident wouldn’t have been possible without the support and guidance of MSP Trooper 3,” said Chief Jeff King. “The expert coordination between MSP and FHPD was critical in bringing this pursuit to an end with the peaceful surrender and arrest of the suspect, and it wouldn’t have been possible to communicate efficiently without the new interoperable radio system.”

A booking photo and video are available upon request