6 people hospitalized after suspect fleeing police strikes Uber, Detroit chief says

Six people were hospitalized, including a fugitive and their passenger, after a police chase began in Southfield and ended in a crash on Detroit’s west side, police said Monday.

A female Uber driver was in critical condition after a fleeing suspect struck her vehicle and she was ejected, according to Detroit police Chief James White. Four others were listed in serious condition, said White, who did not provide the condition of the remaining victim.

The suspected driver and a passenger were taken into custody and were among those hospitalized, the chief said. The driver is wanted as a parole absconder for second-degree murder and possession of cocaine, he said.

The chase began in Southfield around 5:30 p.m. near 12 Mile Road and Northwestern Highway and ended in Detroit. The driver ran a red light and struck the Uber headed west on Outer Drive near James Couzens Freeway, White said.

“I’m sure Southfield (police) is going to be issuing charges for fleeing and eluding as well as some other charges,” White said. “… The key is that we’re handling the investigation because of the critical nature of the accident. That’s where we are right now.”