Accident on Paul and more

In today's edition of the Warrendale neighborhood news roundup, there was a traffic accident on Paul, help for Detroiters facing foreclosure, and a discussion about Michigan's no-fault auto insurance law.

Traffic accident at Paul and the Southfield Fwy. | Photo by Frank Nemecek

Accident on Paul
There was a rather nasty traffic accident yesterday evening at approximately 6 p.m., which involved two minivans. One of the vehicles struck and knocked down a pole on the south side of Paul.

The Detroit Police and Fire Departments reponded quickly. None of the injuries were life-threatening.

Home | Stock photo from Pexels

Foreclosure prevention workshop this Saturday
The United Community Housing Coalition along with the City of Detroit Department of Neighborhoods will host a foreclosure prevention workshop this Saturday. This is a great chance for homeowners and tenants to get the help they need to keep their homes.

The workshop will start at 10 a.m. and run until 1 p.m. this Saturday, February 29. It will happen in the Adam Butzel Recreation Center (10500 Lyndon), which is in Detroit and approximately four miles northeast of the Warrendale neighborhood.

Residents are asked to bring a copy of their deed, land contract, or lease along with:

• Drivers license or valid photo identification;
• Recent DTE bill, phone bill, or other mail with your name on it; and
• All correspondence received from Wayne County.

There's no charge to attend this workshop.

Corvette on the highway | Stock photo by Autos8/Pixabay

Whitsett to discuss auto insurance
State Representative Karen Whitsett, who represents the Warrendale and surrounding neighborhoods, will lead a discussion of Michigan's no-fault auto insurance laws and regulations. This will presumably include an update on efforts to make auto insurance more affordable for Detroiters.

This discussion will happen at the Greater Southern Baptist Church (8000 Fullerton), which is in Detroit and approximately three miles northeast of Warrendale. This will be on Tuesday, March 3 at 6 p.m.

Detroit area doctor charged with fraud after perscribing 2.2 million doses of painkillers

Statute of Justice | Stock photo by William Cho/pixabay

Francisco Patino, M.D., a physician from the Detroit area who was the top prescriber of oxycodone 30 mg in Michigan was charged in a superseding indictment unsealed today. He was allegedly involved in a health care fraud and money laundering scheme that brought in more than $120 million in illicit funds. As part of this plot, he distributed more than the alleged medically unnecessary distribution of over 2.2 million dosage units of controlled substances that were medically unnecessary injections and resulted in patient harm.

Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider of the Eastern District of Michigan, Special Agent in Charge Steven M. D’Antuono of the FBI’s Detroit Division and Special Agent in Charge Lamont Pugh III of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s Chicago Regional Office made the announcement this afternoon.

Patinowas charged in the superseding indictment with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and one count of money laundering. These charges are in addition to the two counts of health care fraud and one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and pay and receive health care kickbacks that was charged in the initial indictment. The case is pending before U.S. District Judge Denise Page Hood of the Eastern District of Michigan. Trial is scheduled to begin on April 7 before Judge Hood.

The superseding indictment alleges the laundering of the proceeds of the health care fraud scheme to falsely portray the defendant as a legitimate doctor through the publication of a diet book and plan described as the “next Atkins,” paid-for appearances on a nationally syndicated television show, and the sponsorship of boxers, cagefighters and prominent Ultimate Fighting Championship world champions and hall of famers.     

Patino owned, controlled and operated numerous pain clinics and laboratories in Michigan – including Global Quality Inc., RenAMI, FDRS and Patino Laboratories – and was the top prescriber of Oxycodone 30 mg in Michigan from 2016 to 2017. From 2008 until his arrest, Patino induced patients to come to his clinics by offering unnecessary prescriptions for addictive opioids, of which he ultimately prescribed over 2.2 million dosage units of medically unnecessary controlled substances, including fentanyl, oxycodone and oxymorphone. Patino prescribed these opioids to Medicare beneficiaries, some of whom were addicted to narcotics.

According the indictment, Patino forced patients to submit to unnecessary and sometimes painful back injections and other procedures in exchange for the opioid prescriptions as part of a scheme to defraud Medicare of over $120 million.  The superseding indictment alleges that Patino persisted with these unlawful practices even after Medicare informed him that the injections violated Medicare’s rules and after Patino entered into a consent order with the State of Michigan that his prescription of opioids “constitute[d] a violation of the public health code.”

Patino also ordered unnecessary urine drug testing in exchange for illegal kickbacks, the superseding indictment alleges. Patino was aware that his ownership structure and kickbacks were a violation of law and authored emails acknowledging that such ownership constituted  a “violation of the Stark and Anti-Kickback laws” and attempted to conceal and disguise the ownership structure and scheme in order to keep himself “out of federal prison & having all our assets seized to pay a $15 million fine.”

Patino also allegedly conspired to launder money in connection with the creation and promotion of the “Patino Diet” plan, which Patino described to others as the “next Atkins diet.”  In order to conceal and disguise his illegal health care fraud scheme, Patino allegedly paid for the authorship and publication of a book touting the diet plan, entitled The Age of Globesity, and paid hundreds of thousands of dollars in order to promote the diet plan and appear as the exclusive medical expert on a nationally syndicated television show.

In addition to concealing the scheme by paying money to falsely portray himself as a media personality and a legitimate physician, the superseding indictment alleges, that Patino laundered the healthcare fraud and kickback money by entering into sham contracts or employment relationships to pay others on his behalf to sponsor boxers, mixed martial artists and UFC combatants.

The charges against Patino are related to a broader investigation into the Tri-County Network of pain clinics in Michigan and Ohio, which involves over $300 million in alleged Medicare fraud and the alleged distribution of over 6.6 million dosage units of controlled substances.  In connection with the investigation, 22 defendants, including 12 physicians, have previously pleaded guilty or been found guilty at trial. 

Former Detroit police officer pleads guilty to accepting bribes

Bribery | Stock photo by Pixabay/Pexels

Former Detroit Police Officer Michael Mosley, age 48, pleaded guilty today before the Hon. George Caram Steeh to bribery for taking $15,000 in cash bribes from a drug trafficker, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider.  The guilty plea announced today is the result of an idictment that this blog reported on last August.

Joining Schneider in the announcement was Steven M. D’Antuono, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Mosley was a 19-year veteran of the Detroit Police Department. In April 2019, he was a member of the  Department’s Major Violators Unit.  On April 3, 2019, Detroit police officers, including Mosley, searched a drug trafficker’s house pursuant to a search warrant.  The search uncovered two kilograms of heroin, one kilogram of cocaine, and six firearms.  The drug trafficker confessed to owning the three kilograms of drugs to Mosley, and the trafficker signed a confession.  After the April 3 search, Mosley remained in contact with the drug trafficker in an effort to secure the trafficker’s cooperation concerning other criminal activity.

Subsequently, the drug trafficker offered Mosley a cash bribe of $15,000 in exchange for not pursuing criminal charges based on the three kilogram drug seizure and he agreed to the deal.  On May 2, 2019, Mosley collected $10,000 in cash that the drug dealer left for Mosley in the backyard of an abandoned house in Detroit.  On May 23, 2019, Mosley accepted another $5,000 in cash left for him by the drug trafficker at the abandoned house.  In exchange, he gave the drug trafficker the original copy of his confession. 

In addition to pleading guilty to one count of bribery, Mosley will be forfeiting the $15,000 he took in bribes.

U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider commended the outstanding work of the FBI in conducting this criminal investigation of a corrupt police officer.

“It’s rare that a police officer commits a crime, but in this case Officer Mosley betrayed his oath as a police officer, and he betrayed the citizens of Detroit and the vast majority of his fellow officers who seek to protect and serve with integrity,” stated Schneider.  “This prosecution demonstrates that we will not tolerate public officials who abuse their authority and seek to use their power to line their own pockets.”

 “The citizens of Detroit deserve better from their public servants. Wrongdoing by police officers undermines the public's trust and confidence in law enforcement officers who are sworn to defend and uphold the law,” said D’Antuono. “The men and women of the Detroit Police Department are dedicated to serving this community and misconduct by one of its officers is not a reflection of the entire force. However, the FBI will do everything in its power to bring corrupt police officers to justice and to restore faith in the integrity of law enforcement throughout the city.”

The investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Resnick Cohen, David A. Gardey, and Shankar Ramamurthy.

GM announces $6 million donation to support Detroit schools

General Motor headquarters | File photo

Earlier this morning, General Motors announced a $6 million donation to Beyond Basics to support the Be the Solution literacy campaign. This investment will provide nearly 500 Detroit high schoolers the opportunity to participate in the nonprofit’s literacy program. It is also the largest single contribution ever to this program.

“Beyond Basics delivers outstanding results that are real, measurable and impactful,” said Mark Reuss, General Motors president. “At General Motors, we believe investing in Detroit’s children and families is an investment in the future – for them, and for all of us residing in southeast Michigan. Our team is proud to support Beyond Basics’ ambitious mission, and we encourage other companies to do the same as we work together to revitalize the city.”

General Motors’ donation is the largest single investment to Beyond Basics’ Be the Solution literacy campaign, to date, and marks the half-way point of this year’s $11 million goal. The $33 million, three-year campaign launched last summer with the endorsement of the Detroit Public Schools Community District.

This donation also comes on the heels of the $2.2 billion investment in Detroit and Hamtramck that GM announced last month.

Beyond Basics works closely with DPSCD and has already achieved tremendous success with 50 tutors at schools across the city — including Mumford High School, where today’s grant announcement was held. The number of trained, certified tutors is expected to jump to 300 over the next three years.

“This is not about throwing money at another problem. Beyond Basics gets at the heart of the challenges linked to reading below grade level and delivers a strategy that is coherent, comprehensive and truly research-based,” explained Dr. Nikolai P. Vitti, superintendent of the Detroit Public Schools Community District. “With the support and leadership of General Motors and Beyond Basics, we will begin to address, at scale, high school literacy challenges so students can be on a college or career path. Due to the legacy of emergency management, too many of our high school students are behind.”

Today’s donation continues General Motors’ support of Beyond Basics’ results-driven work. In 2018, General Motors helped establish Beyond Basics’ first bricks-and-mortar space in Detroit at the Durfee Innovation Society in Detroit. The Beyond Basics Family Literacy Center provides literacy and workforce development services, including GED and SAT prep, with a large focus on reaching an adult population.

“Most Detroit public high school students are reading below grade level,” said Pamela Good, co-founder and CEO of Beyond Basics. “When students fall behind in literacy, they fall behind in every subject because curriculums assume children can read. With this generous $1 million donation from General Motors, Beyond Basics can pair even more trained tutors with struggling students who are eager to learn and need that extra boost.”

Providing a child with the tool of reading can change the trajectory of their life. It opens a world of possibilities that can give them opportunities that would be impossible without literacy. For over twenty years Pamela Good and the Beyond Basics team have been committed to giving children the chance to read and see the potential they have to succeed in the world. It is a mission that has helped thousands, but there are many more in need of help.

Update at 12:38 pm - An earlier version of this story listed GM's donation as $1 million when it's actually $6 million. This story has been corrected to reflect this.

Police search for shooter

Police car | Photo by Gerd Altman/Pixabay

A 35-year old man was fatally shot yesterday afternoon and the Detroit Police Department is asking for the public's help in catching the shooter. The victim was standing in front of a house near Tireman and Pierson Streets at approximately 3:30 p.m. yesterday when someone pulled up in a blue Dodge Ram pickup and opened fire on him before speeding away.

Officers from the Detroit Police Department spent several hours yesterday searching for the shooter and the blue pickup that he drove. The shooter was described as a black male wearing all black clothing. While they didn't find him, they did recover shell casings from the weapon he used.

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone who knows anything about this case is asked to call either the Detroit Police Department's Homicide Unit at (313) 596-2260 or Crime Stoppers of Michigan at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.

The name of this victim has not been released at this time. Also, no motive for this murder has been established.

Body found along Dearborn - Detroit border

Crime scene - Image by Gerd Altman/Pixabay

Police officers found the remains of a 34-year-old deceased woman from Taylor, Michigan at 7:45 a.m. this morning. Her body was discovered in the vicinity of Paul Street and the Southfield Freeway, which is near the border between Dearborn and Detroit's Warrendale neighborhood.

Everyone who lives in that area is asked to check their security cameras for any images that might be useful to the police in their investigation.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to called the Dearborn Police Department at (313) 943-2241.

The identity and exact cause of death of this woman is currently being withheld by police officers, pending notification of her family.

L. Brooks Patterson dies at age 80

L. Brooks Patterson with Amalia Raczkowski - Creative Commons photo by ALS of Michigan/Flickr

The longtime County Executive for Oakland County, L. Brooks Patterson passed away earlier today according to published news reports. He was 80 years of age at the time of his passing and had been battling pancreatic cancer for several months.

I have long opposed many of the political stances that L. Brooks Patterson took during his many years in office. Regardless, I am saddened to learn of his passing. My prayers go out to his family that they may be comforted during this troubling time.

There can be no denying that L. Brooks Patterson left his mark on Michigan. His presence will continue to be felt across the Great Lakes State for generations to come.

According to an article published in The Detroit News, L. Brooks Patterson passed away peacefully at 5:30 this morning. He died at his home in Independence Township, surrounded by friends and family.

Rest in eternal peace, L. Brooks Patterson.

Fire at the Notre Dame Cathedral

Firefighter - Stock Illustration/ Creative Commons

The city of Detroit was founded in 1701 as a French colony. For much of the 19th and 20th centuries, our community was known as the Paris of the Midwest because of its French heritage and influences. It is this context that I feel adds to my horror - and the horror that many of my neighbors feel - as we watch the news come in that Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is engulfed in flames.

I pray this afternoon that Saint Florian, the Patron Saint of Firefighters, watches over, guides, and protects the estimated 400 firefighters who are currently battling the blazes at the Notre Dame Cathedral.

I pray that the piece of the True Cross, the piece of the Crown of Thornes, the nails from the Crucifixion, and each of the other holy artifacts that are housed at the Cathedral are protected.

Finally, I pray that Our Lady of Paris brings comfort and peace to the people of Paris and to all of those souls who are affected by this tragedy.

Amen.

Update @ 9:34 p.m.
Since I published this post a few hours ago, two important developments have occurred. First, according to published news reports, all of the sacred relics that were stored inside Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris have been saved. In addition, President Emmanuel Macron of France announced in a televised address to the nation that the cathedral would be rebuilt.

While the fire itself is tragic, I feel that these two updates are important. Moreover, I also believe that the outpouring of support from around the world is both reassuring and inspiring.

Prepare for floods, Detroiters

Flooding | Stock photo from Pixabay

During the next three days, the weather forecast shows a rapid change in the temperatures – a possible 60-degree swing – and expected rainfall starting Sunday. Both of these factors bring the possibility of severe flooding. The Detroit Water & Sewerage Department encourages residents and businesses to follow the recommended tips this weekend and into the upcoming week.

• Call DWSD at (313) 267-8000 if you see standing, gushing or bubbling water;
• Avoid driving through standing water;
• Clear snow, ice and debris from above and around the catch basins (storm drains) near your property; offer to help nearby senior citizens do the same;
• Look at your downspouts and remove any snow or debris that may be at the point where the water exits;
• Move snow away from the outside walls of your house or building. Rapid snowmelt could seep into basement walls that are not properly sealed;
• Check your basement drain to make sure it's not clogged. Any water that enters your basement needs to drain properly;
• Stay clear of standing water in your basement if the area includes electrical appliances, outlets, or a fuse box.

DWSD appreciates the patience of residents and businesses as we respond to an increase in water main breaks during and following the deep freeze. They temporarily re-assigned staff who normally work on sewer maintenance to assist with assessing and repairing the pipes. More than 200 DWSD employees are working in the field.

With temperatures rising today and into the weekend, DWSD and its contractors are now able to work on the backlog of repairing the water mains. It was unsafe for crews to perform underground repairs during extremely cold temperatures. Crews will be working through the weekend.

Report street flooding by calling DWSD at (313) 267-8000, or use the Improve Detroit SeeClickFix mobile app for Apple and Android devices.

The water is safe in Warrendale

Water in Detroit - Photo by Frank Nemecek

Nine people have reached out to me by phone, text, or Facebook this morning, asking about the boil water advisory for portions of Detroit that was issued by the Great Lakes Water Authority and that has been all over the news today. The key point for everyone to know is that the Warrendale neighborhood is not impacted by this.

Let me repeat this, the water in Warrendale is perfectly safe. The portion of our city that is impacted by this is basically downtown Detroit as well as the area between downtown and Belle Isle. The City of Detroit and the Great Lakes Water Authority have more information about this on their website.

And now that everyone knows that the water is safe in Warrendale, I'm going to go have a glass of the stuff myself.

Cheers!

Gabe Leland indicted on bribery charges

Gabe Leland at a Warrendale Community Organization meeting
Photo by Frank Nemecek

According to a published report in The Detroit News, Gabe Leland has been indicted on bribery charges by a federal grand jury. Leland has represented the Warrendale and surrounding neighborhood as a state legislator and city councilman for more than a decade.

Leland allegedly received more than $15,000 in cash and services in exchange for his help with a real estate deal, according to this indictment. The full story is available here.

On a personal note, I have known, trusted, and supported Gabe Leland since the beginning of his political career. I've always found him to be a hard-working public servant who has done much to help the Warrendale neighborhood. I'm both shocked and disappointed by this news.

I will have more on this story as it continues to develop.

John McCain dies at the age of 81

U.S. Senator John McCain of Arizona - Photo by Dave Davison/Pixabay

The distinguished Republican Senator from Arizona John McCain passed away earlier this evening. He was 81 years of age at the time of his death. While I disagreed with McCain on a multitude of issues, I respected him a lot.

I pray this evening, therefore, that all of angels and saints in Heaven join in welcoming him home. I also pray that his family and friends come to know comfort and peace in the days to come until they are reunited with him.

Good night, Senator McCain.

Burton Leland passes away at the age of 69

Burton Leland

Burton Leland, who represented the Warrendale neighborhood in both the Michigan House of Representatives and Michigan Senate for 26 years, passed away this morning. He was 69 years of age at the time of his passing. In later years, Leland represented Wayne County's 6th district on the County Commission.

During his time in the Michigan Legislature, Burton Leland was a tireless advocate for consumer rights. In 1986, while serving the state house, he sponsored Michigan's Lemon Law that protected buyers from defective automobiles.

Burton Leland was also a relentless public servant for the Warrendale neighborhood. Whenever the Warrendale Community Organization needed something during his almost three decades of representing us, he was one of the few elected officials that residents could consistently count on.

Burton Leland's son Gabe Leland continues to represent the Warrendale and surrounding neighborhoods on the Detroit City Council.

Burton Leland was also proud of his Jewish faith. I attended a meeting of the Wayne County Commission a few years back when, at Leland's urging, a Jewish rabbi delivered the invocation. The invocation is normally held before the start of each meeting and his lead by a local religious leader. However, that was the first time in Wayne County's more than 200 year history that a rabbi was invited to perform this ceremonial role.

Details for Burton Leland's funeral are not currently available. When they become public, I will share them here.

On a personal note, I want to add that I write this post with a tremendous amount of sadness. I have spoken with Burton Leland on more occasions than I can remember over the past 30 years - going all the way back to my days as a high school student in a government class. I was always impressed with his intellect, his dedication, and a love for Michigan and its people that will continue to live on with every person that he ever met.

Update @ 10:48 p.m.
I have learned that the funeral for Burton Leland will be at 2 p.m. this Tuesday, February 27. The service will be at the Ira Kaufman Chapel (18325 W. Nine Mile in Southfield). More information is available here.

Snow plows to hit residential streets in Warrendale

Snow plow in action - Photo courtesy of the U.S. Air Force

The City of Detroit's Department of Public Works has announced that their contractors will soon begin plowing residential side streets in the Warrendale neighborhood as well as the rest of Detroit. The snow plows are expected to clear a 10-foot wide path along each of the 1,880 miles of residential streets in the city beginning at 6 a.m. tomorrow.

Under the terms of their contract with the City, each of the four private contractors has until 6 a.m. Sunday morning to complete the job.

In order to avoid being plowed in and to make work easier for snow removal crews, Mayor Mike Duggan urges residents to not park their cars on side streets, if possible.

With additional snow in the forecast over the next few days, DPW will continue to monitor the weather and our road conditions. If conditions change, they will supply updates throughout the day as deemed necessary.

Many area residents have already responded on Facebook to news of snow plows on residential streets by saying "I'll believe it when I see it." As a result, readers of this blog can look forward to a special report on how effective the snow plows were on Sunday afternoon.

Fire strikes West Warren Ave

Fire trucks on West Warren Ave. - Photo by Frank Nemecek

The Detroit Fire Department responded to a fire at West Warren Auto Repair (19020 W. Warren Ave), which is between Warwick and Artesian Streets. A total of eight fire trucks, two fire chiefs, and an ambulance were on site.

The Detroit Police Department has W. Warren Ave. shut down to vehicular travel while firefighters finish their work.

The cause of this fire is not known. More information as this situation develops.

Michigan State Police sets up aggressive enforcement on Southfield Freeway

Michigan State Police patrol car - Photo by Joe Ross/Flickr

The Michigan State Police announced this morning that they will begin a more aggressive enforcement of speeding on the Southfield Freeway effective immediately. Their Special Enforcement Section has been assigned to patrol the freeway.

This action is the result of complaints of excessive speeding along on the Southfield Freeway. The Special Enforcement Section will continue their patrol activity until more motorists observe the posted speed limit carefully.

Motorists are cautioned that there is a posted speed limit of 55 m.p.h. on the freeway. Slow down or get a ticket.

Rollover accident on Southfield Freeway

Rollover accident on Southfield Fwy. - Photo by Frank Nemecek

There has been a rollover accident on the northbound Southfield Freeway between Paul and W. Warren Ave. Detroit Police as well as firefighters, and an ambulance from the Detroit Fire Department are still on the scene.

Traffic in the area is at a virtual standstill as a result of this crash. Motorists are advised to avoid the area, if possible.

It's not clear at this time what caused this accident to happen nor are the extentent of any injuries readily available.

Loud explosions in Rouge Park today - don't worry

Bomb squad vehicle - Photo by Raymond Wamsgans/Flickr

The Detroit Police Department has announced that their bomb squad will perform training exercises in Rouge Park this afternoon. Residents and visitors are cautioned that they may hear loud explosions but there is no cause for alarm - it's only a training exercise.

According to a statement from the Detroit Police Department, these exercises will happen at the archery range in Rouge Park, which is near Joy Rd. and Spinoza Dr. This is expected to begin at approximately 1:30 p.m.

Residents and visitors are also asked to avoid the area around the Rouge Park archery range while this training exercise is happening.

Rollover accident on Southfield Freeway

Rollover accident on the Southfield Freeway
Photo by Frank Nemecek

There has been a rollover accident on the southbound Southfield Freeway at Paul Street. The Detroit Police Department and the Michigan State Police are on the scene. They have the freeway blocked to only one lane on the southbound side.

While the northbound side is open, there are gawker delays in both directions of the freeway. These delays appear to stretch for at least half a mile and include the service drive.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area.

Police chase ends tragically in Detroit

Michigan State Police investigate a crash on Ashton
Photo by Frank Nemecek

What appears to have been a chase involving the Michigan State Police in the Warrendale neighborhood of Detroit has ended badly this evening. A white Chrysler 300 sedan hit two parked vehicles and crashed into a tree on Ashton, just north of Paul, at approximately 6:30 this evening.

Police officers on the scene declined to comment due to their on-going investigation. However, neighbors in the area reported that two individuals in a car being chased died in this crash.

Michigan State Police have Ashton, between Whitlock and Paul Streets, closed for their investigation. State troopers have canvassed the block asking residents about they might have seen and if they have any camera footage that might show details of the chase.

More news as this story develops.

Police cars block off Paul St at the Southfield Fwy.
Photo by Frank Nemecek

Update @ 9:14 p.m.
According to neighbors, it would appear that the Michigan State Police broke off their pursuit as soon as it headed into a residential neighborhood. The individuals that they were chasing, however, continued to flee and subsequently hit two other vehicles before slamming into a tree.

More news as this story develops.

Update @ 10:21 p.m.
This pursuit reportedly started on the Southfield Freeway when Michigan state troopers noticed that the driver was not wearing a seat belt and had tinted windows. They attempted to pull the driver over to issue a citation.

Unfortunately, the driver attempted to flee rather than pull over.

More news at this story develops.

Update @ 10:32 p.m.
The Detroit Fire Department is currently at the scene. They are cutting the mangled sedan open so the remains of the driver and passenger can be removed from this vehicle.

Update @ 10:39 p.m.
According to a neighbor who lives near the crash site, the impact was severe enough that the engine block of that car dislodged from the vehicle. It then continued traveling for a few more feet before landing on the ground.

Any additional updates will have to wait until tomorrow morning.

Update - Saturday, April 1 @ 10:59 a.m.

The crash site as of this morning - Photo by Frank Nemecek

The wreckage from this crash is largely cleared at this point. The yellow police tape has been removed. Ashton is once again one to vehicular traffic and residents are going about their daily routines.

The tree that the fleeing vehicle slammed into, however, still stands with obvious damage to its trunk - a reminder of the spot where two foolish individuals lost their life.

Debris is still littered along the road and sidewalks. I found pieces of the destroyed Chrysler 300 sedan as far as 60 feet from the crash site.

I suspect that residents who live near this spot will continue to find small pieces of that car for days or weeks to come.

Debris from the crash - Photo by Frank Nemecek

All of this will be a lingering reminder of why it's a terrible idea to flee from the police, especially over something as minor as a traffic ticket. The driver probably had some other reason for wanting to run - a warrant for his arrest, a suspended license, or some other reason that probably made sense to him at that moment.

The tragic reality, though, is that none of those things are worth losing one's life over nor are they worth jeoparding the lives of others for.

This, I'm afraid, is a lesson that the ill-fated driver learned too late.