Monroe officer moves civilians out of the way of suspected drunk driver

MONROE, Mich. (WXYZ) — A Monroe police officer was able to move two civilians out of the way of a suspected intoxicated driver who was attempting to flee police early Sunday, authorities said.

Monroe police officers were conducting a traffic stop on North Telegraph Road near Telegraph Bridge just after midnight on Dec. 29 when they encountered the suspected drunk driver.

The suspect's vehicle was traveling north on North Telegraph Road and almost hit the rear of one of the patrol cars conducting the traffic stop. The vehicle then swerved right and drove onto the sidewalk, continuing north on the sidewalk between the patrol car and a guardrail.

The suspect's vehicle came within feet of an officer standing on the sidewalk with the two occupants of the car pulled over for a traffic stop. The officer pushed the two citizens over a metal guardrail for protection. The suspect then "stopped, looked at officers, backed up, then drove between the two patrol cars" then attempted to flee on North Telegraph Road, according to a news release.

During the continued pursuit, the suspect turned west on North Custer Road before entering a residential subdivision then exiting the area before heading west again.

Police say the pursuit came to an end when the suspect drove off North Custer Road into a yard near Doty Road.

The suspect was then taken into custody and faces charges of second-degree operating while intoxicated, fleeing and eluding police and parole violation. An arraignment is expected Tuesday.