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Suspected drunken driver crashes into pole, store during chase with Southfield police

Officer uses Taser as suspect tries to run from scene
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SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WXYZ) — A person driving drunk crashed into a light pole and a store during a police chase that started in Southfield and ended in Detroit on Tuesday, authorities said.

It happened around 4:50 p.m. on 8 Mile Road near Lahser Road.

Surveillance video shows multiple police cruisers pursue a white SUV before officers performed a PIT maneuver, sending the car into a pole and the side of Super Dollar Center in Detroit.

Power lines came down during the crash, forcing a road closure for several hours. DTE cleared live wires before the road reopened.

Southfield police chase pole hit
Police say a person driving drunk crashed into a light police in Southfield during a police chase on Jan. 2, 2024.

“We heard a big boom and I ran straight out to look at what's going on,” Super Dollar Center Owner Wally Jamiel said.

Outside Jamiel's store, police surrounded the car with their weapons drawn. As the driver tried to run, an officer is seen using a Taser, sending the suspect to the ground. Police then put the driver in handcuffs.

No one was hurt, police said.

“I knew an accident was outside, but I didn't know it was a police chase,” Jamiel said.

The glass outside his store was shattered, but the damage inside was much worse. Parts of the ceiling caved in from the impact and part of the wall was boarded up. But Jamiel is still thankful it wasn't worse.

“Thank God nobody is hurt. That's the main thing. That's all that matters,” he said.