Driver charged for leading Macomb Co. deputies on chase in stolen SUV

A 29-year-old man was charged Friday in connection with leading Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies on a chase this week in a stolen vehicle.

Deputies were alerted about the missing silver Jeep Grand Cherokee around 9 a.m. Thursday and tried to stop it on E. Price Drive near Metropolitan Parkway in Clinton Township. But the driver refused and fled east on E. Price Drive, continuing on King Drive, disobeying the red traffic signal then turning south on Harper Avenue, authorities said in a statement.

The suspect, identified as Devante Everette, was "driving recklessly, speeding, and at times driving in the left turn lane and into oncoming traffic," according to the release.

The county resident continued to disregard deputies’ attempts to stop him, entering westbound I-94 from Harper near 15 Mile, officials said.

Deputies tried to box in the suspect but failed. He then preformed a U-turn in the westbound lanes, driving against traffic and heading in the opposite direction, according to the release.

"The suspect unpredictably crisscrossed three lanes of oncoming traffic multiple times, disregarding the safety of every individual on the crowded freeway," sheriff's officials wrote.

A patrol vehicle eventually stopped the Jeep on I-94 near Shook Road in Harrison Township then arrested Everette.

Investigators released dash cam footage of the pursuit and arrest.

One deputy sustained a minor injury and three MCSO patrol vehicles were damaged.

Deputies also found a 3-year-old child and an infant in the Jeep's backseat, according to the release.

Both were taken to a nearby hospital then released to a relative, officials said.

"The reckless disregard for innocent lives allegedly displayed by this individual is staggering," Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said in a statement Friday. "The danger he allegedly placed those children in cannot be overstated. Such egregious behavior will be met with the full force of the law, as we seek to ensure the safety of our communities and hold him accountable for the serious consequences of his actions."

Everette was held at the Macomb County Jail and charged with multiple felonies: fourth-degree fleeing and eluding; receiving and concealing a stolen motor vehicle; and second-degree child abuse.

He was arraigned Friday afternoon through 41B District Court in Clinton Township, according to sheriff's officials.

Bond was set at $10,000.

A probable cause conference is scheduled for April 23.