Downriver Man Charged With Stealing Police Cruiser To Flee Crash Scenes
TAYLOR (WWJ) - A 27-year-old Downriver man is facing several charges after investigators say he was involved in several accidents and then stole a police cruiser to flee the scene.
Derek Michael Wiginton, of Taylor, was arraigned Thursday in 23nd District Court on charges of auto theft, malicious destruction of police property, two counts of resisting and obstructing police officers, operating while under the influence -- second degree, failure to stop at a personal injury accident, failure to stop at a property damage accident, possession of marijuana and open intoxicants in a vehicle.
Bond was set at $150,000 cash. Wiginton is due back in court on February 2.
The charges stem from series of events that unfolded around 8:10 p.m. Monday in a neighborhood near Telegraph Road and Mary Street, just north of Wick Road.
According to police, Wiginton was first involved in a hit-and-run accident on Telegraph Road. The victim did not suffer any injuries, but his car was not able to drive.
Wiginton then fled into the neighborhood, where he was allegedly involved in another hit-and-run accident. This victim in this crash, a 17-year-old New Boston resident, was injured and transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Eventually, Wiginton crashed his vehicle into a telephone pole a short distance away on Pine Street. He allegedly fled on foot before police arrived in the area.
As police were investigating the crash scene, Wiginton reappeared and allegedly jumped into an unattended Taylor police vehicle and attempted to flee the scene. According to reports, Wiginton actually struck an officer, dragging him for several yards before he fell to the ground. The officer was uninjured.
Wiginton then crashed the police cruiser into a fire hydrant on the corner of Mary and Pine streets and was apprehended by police after initially resisting arrest.