WARREN, Mich. – Xavier Powell, 25, of Warren, faces felony charges after a high-speed pursuit ended in a crash.
The incident occurred on Monday (May 26) at 11:50 a.m. when a Warren police officer on routine patrol in a fully marked patrol car attempted a traffic stop on a black Chrysler 300 for window tint and other violations near 9 Mile Road and Masch Avenue.
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Police said Powell initially stopped, but as the officer approached, it was determined that he did not possess a valid driver’s license.
Officials said Powell was intoxicated, and despite repeated requests to exit his vehicle, Powell refused and instead fled the scene in his vehicle, driving southbound onto Audrey Street from 9 Mile Road.
Police said they immediately notified dispatch and other units of the pursuit.
Officials said it was less than one minute later when the officer observed Powell lose control of his vehicle near Toepfer Road and Audrey Avenue.
Police said the 25-year-old man’s vehicle struck several unoccupied parked vehicles before colliding with the front porch of a nearby residence on Audrey Avenue.
Although there were no injuries reported following the crash, police said Powell fled on foot but was located hiding in a nearby backyard and taken into custody without incident.
Police said they found an empty alcohol bottle inside Powell’s vehicle. He was transported to an area hospital, where officers obtained a blood sample to test for and confirm the presence of intoxicants.
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office reviewed the case and charged Powell with:
· Fleeing and eluding third-degree (Five-year felony)
· Resisting and obstructing an officer (Two-year felony)
· Operating while intoxicated (93-day misdemeanor)
· Reckless driving (93-day misdemeanor)
· Operating while unlicensed (90-day misdemeanor)
Powell was arraigned in the 37th District Court, where he entered a not-guilty plea.
Bond was set at $50,000 cash/surety for this incident.
Investigators also noted Powell’s significant criminal history, which includes previous convictions for driving offenses, larceny, and controlled substances.
Furthermore, at the time of his arrest, Powell was wanted on eight open traffic warrants and a felony warrant for a domestic-related assault issued out of Warren.
Investigators are currently awaiting the results of Powell’s blood analysis from the Michigan State Police Crime Lab.