Farmington Hills Man Faces Charges After 'Wild' Police Chase
SOUTHFIELD (WWJ) - A 44-year-old Farmington Hills who had to be Tased following a wild police chase through Southfield is now facing multiple charges in the case.
Christopher Melms was arraigned Thursday on charges of third degree fleeing and eluding and driving while license suspended -- second offense. A judge set bond at $75,000 ahead of Melms' pre-exam conference, which is scheduled for Feb. 12.
The charges stem from an incident that unfolded around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday on 8 Mile Road near Northland Drive, when officers in a marked patrol SUV attempted to pull over Melms' vehicle.
When the officers activated their emergency lights and siren, Melms sped off -- leading police on a pursuit along the Lodge Freeway. Officers say when Melms attempted to exit at 7 Mile Road, his vehicle spun out on the service drive. Melms then drove the wrong way down the 7 Mile Exit ramp, directly toward the police SUV.
The chase continued for several miles southbound on the Lodge Freeway, with police from Detroit and Highland Park assisting Southfield officers. The chase eventually ended at Woodward and Davison when Melms slammed into another vehicle. Melms then attempted to flee on foot but was arrested after being Tased for refusing to comply with officer's orders to get on the ground.
Two other subjects in Melms' vehicle, a 43-year-old Farmington Hills woman and a 23-year-old Farmington Hills man, were released at the scene. No major injuries were reported.
After the pursuit, officers were notified by another local police agency that Melms fled from their officers approximately two weeks ago and that he is a known heroin addict. Police say his criminal history includes unarmed robbery, felonious assault and multiplies drug charges.
