Driver with 11 warrants, 24 license suspensions nabbed after fleeing traffic stop
A traffic stop in Troy on Dec. 28 for an equipment violation escalated into more serious charges for a Detroit resident, who fled the scene after it was determined he had 11 warrants for his arrest and his driver’s license had been suspended 24 times.
Jalen Drew Smith, 26, was arrested later that day in Sterling Heights by responding officers, according to the Troy Police Department.
Police said the case unfolded at approximately 10:19 p.m. when an officer pulled over a 2007 Chevrolet Uplander on East Big Beaver Road near Dequindre Road, driven by Smith. After the officer confirmed the active warrants and multiple license suspensions, Smith stepped out of his vehicle as asked and then aggressively pushed the officer to the ground and fled, police said.
As the officer pursued him on foot, Smith jumped a wall and continued running through a subdivision, and the officer eventually lost sight of him, police said.
A passerby reportedly told police the man being chased was seen crossing Dequindre Road toward several businesses in Sterling Heights where he was located by other officers and taken into custody.
Smith was arraigned Dec. 30 on charges of resisting and obstructing a police officer as well as another driving while license suspended, second offense.
The officer sustained mild abrasions in the incident, police said. Smith’s next court date was scheduled for Jan. 7.