Police: Fleeing Drug Suspect Purposely Tried To Run Down Officer
ROSEVILLE (WWJ) - A 24-year-old Warren man with a lengthy criminal record is behind bars facing several charges involving an alleged drug deal and a police chase.
Roseville Police Chief James Berlin said officers were patrolling the north end of town, which is known for drug activity, when they observed what appeared to be an illegal drug transaction taking place on Little Mack near Erin Street.
"They attempted to stop the one vehicle involved but instead of stopping, the vehicle took off at a high rate of speed and entered the I-94 freeway with our officers in pursuit," said Berlin.
Police say the suspect -- later identified as Michael Luna -- drove to Harper Avenue where he exited the freeway, made a U-turn and promptly reentered the freeway, this time traveling westbound on I-94.
"We attempted to deploy some stop sticks down near 10 Mile Road," Berlin told WWJ's Zahra Huber. "The suspect in this case saw the stop sticks being deployed and in what we believe was a purposeful act, drove directly at our officer who had to jump over the center median wall to avoid being struck."
Berlin said Luna was driving at speeds of approximately 90 miles per hour when he attempted to strike the officer, who was uninjured.
Despite his effort, Luna was unable to avoid the spike strip entirely and two of his tires soon went flat. As he continued to flee, the flat tires eventually shredded, causing Luna to drive upon the car's rims.
Soon after, Michigan State Police joined the pursuit and a trooper was able to perform a PIT maneuver, causing Luna's vehicle to spin to a stop.
"He then jumped from the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot, but was caught a short distance away and taken into custody," said Berlin.
While being arrested, officers found Luna was in possession of brass knuckles and pills described as "designer drugs."
Berlin said the suspect is "not a nice person," with a rap sheet that includes charges like assault and possession of controlled substances.
"Unfortunately, he's been through the system several times already," he said. "He does have a very lengthy criminal record for such a young man."
Luna was arraigned on five charges including: third-degree fleeing and eluding (5-year felony); assault with a dangerous weapon -- for attempting to strike the officer (4-year felony); possession of a dangerous weapon -- brass knuckles (5-year felony); assaulting, resisting and obstructing a police officer (2-year felony); and possession of a controlled substance (2-year felony). Bond was set at $75,000.
Luna, who remains in custody at the Macomb County Jail, is due back in court August 17 for a preliminary examination.
