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Video: Mich. officer strikes fleeing carjacking suspect with cruiser, disarming him before arrest

After a 25-minute vehicle pursuit, the suspect crashed and fled on foot with a rifle before being struck by a Southfield Police cruiser

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — The Southfield Police Department released dash camera footage showing the pursuit and arrest of a man suspected in an armed carjacking, WXYZ reported.

The Jan. 31 incident began when the man stole a vehicle at gunpoint, according to the report. Dashcam video shows the man fleeing down icy roads at high speeds. The pursuit lasted about 25 minutes, according to the report.

After losing control of the vehicle and crashing into brush by the roadside, the man jumped out of the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot while carrying a firearm.

As he ran, a police vehicle struck him, causing him to drop the assault rifle before officers took him into custody. Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren said the decision to hit Marion was intentional and likely prevented further danger.

“I showed you this video because yes, we hit him, but he was struck with a thought pattern,’ Barren said. “You all know I hold people accountable in this police department and when they deviate from policy and they make a decision, which is what he did, to slow that vehicle down, strike this individual, causing him to do exactly what the intention was, to drop that assault rifle, it probably saved that suspect’s life, ultimately the community and police officers could’ve been affected as well.”

The suspect faces several charges, including carjacking and fleeing police.

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“We deeply appreciate the honesty and integrity shown by our Lennox community member who acted responsibly and returned the lost rifle to our station,” Capt. Nicole Palomino said