Woman Arrested After Fleeing from Farmington Hills Police, Crashing Vehicle Following Attempted Traffic Stop
The Farmington Hills Police Department has arrested one woman following a brief pursuit last week. The 25-year-old Warren resident is facing one count of felony Fleeing and Eluding and one count of misdemeanor Driving While License Suspended in connection with the incident.
On Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023 during the evening rush hour, Farmington Hills police officers attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic offense on Haggerty Road near Ten Mile Road. The vehicle immediately accelerated away from the officers, weaving between vehicles and driving into oncoming traffic. The officers briefly 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 suspect vehicle continued driving recklessly for approximately six additional miles, endangering countless citizens of our community.
Area patrol officers observed the vehicle driving more than 100 mph on M-5 and passing vehicles on the shoulder. The vehicle exited at Grand River Avenue and continued driving recklessly, where the suspect vehicle was seen changing direction and continued on Grand River Avenue to northbound Orchard Lake Road at more than 80 mph.
Chief King, who was stopped at a red light on Orchard Lake Road at Eleven Mile Road in his personal vehicle, observed the suspect vehicle pass traffic in a right-turn-only lane in excess of 90 mph and almost lose control. Chief King noted that there were no police vehicles pursuing the suspect or visible in the area at this time. The suspect vehicle crashed into a civilian vehicle moments later, on Orchard Lake Road just south of Twelve Mile Road. The suspect vehicle was heavily damaged and became immobilized.
“We’ve seen an alarming increase in the number of incidents of fleeing from police,” said Chief Jeff King. “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.”
Officers responded to the area of the crash after numerous 9-1-1 calls were received, indicating that a crash had occurred and the occupants were fleeing the scene on foot. Luckily, officers found that no one was injured in the civilian vehicle that was hit by the suspect.
A perimeter was quickly established, and the suspects were apprehended. 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.
The suspect driver was arrested and identified as Selena Maria Martin, a 25-years-old resident of the City of Warren. The suspect passenger, a 14-year-old female resident of Warren, was detained. Both suspects complained of neck injuries suffered during the crash and were transported for medical treatment. The juvenile was not related to Martin and ultimately turned over to a guardian.
Martin has been previously convicted of fleeing and eluding police on two other occasions, most recently on Aug. 5, 2021 in the 6th Circuit Court and on Sept. 10, 2021, in the 3rd Circuit Court.
On Nov. 10, 2023, the investigation was submitted to the Oakland County Prosecutors Office for review, which authorized a two-count warrant of one count of felony Fleeing and Eluding and one count of misdemeanor Driving While License Suspended.
Martin was arraigned before Judge Brady of the 47th District Court and a $10,000, 10% cash surety bond was set. Martin is scheduled for a pre-exam conference on Nov. 22 at 9 a.m. Martin remains in custody at the Oakland County Jail.