Metro Detroit Man Steals Tree-Trimming Truck, Leads Police Chase: MSP

BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP, MI — A 35-year-old Redford Township man was arrested Saturday after crashing a stolen tree-trimming truck that was pulling a wood chipper and leading police on a chase in Brighton Township, according to Michigan State Police.

Troopers received a call at roughly 4:30 p.m. Saturday that a large tree-trimming truck with a wood chipper was driving recklessly throughout the Brighton Township area, according to Michigan State Police.

Witnesses told troopers the large truck drove off the road and hit numerous mailboxes and almost collided head-on with other vehicles in the area, according to Michigan State Police.

Troopers then learned the truck was stolen out of Redford Township earlier that day and Redford officers chased the truck, before terminating the chase after the large truck struck a police cruiser, according to Michigan State Police.

Redford officers told troopers the suspected thief also took another man's dog and may have been armed with a handgun. They told troopers they believed the suspected thief was under the influence of crystal meth before the police chase began, according to Michigan State Police.

While looking out for the stolen truck, troopers learned the truck crashed into a tree at the intersection of Hilton Road and Old US-23 in Brighton Township, according to Michigan State Police.

Witnesses told troopers the suspected thief exited the truck and ran away after the crash, according to Michigan State Police.

Troopers, along with a canine unit, found the suspected thief inside a large Rubbermaid container at the rear of a nearby residence, according to Michigan State Police.

The 35-year-old Redford Township man was arrested in connection with the theft and was taken to a nearby hospital where he was treated for injuries, according to Michigan State Police.

During questioning, the Redford Township man told troopers he had taken crystal meth and another unknown drug while driving the stolen truck, according to Michigan State Police.

The Redford Township man told troopers he fled from officers earlier and stole the dog while armed with a handgun, according to Michigan State Police.

Troopers said the man told them the dog jumped out of the truck at some point. Troopers have not found the missing dog, according to Michigan State Police.

Once he's cleared from the hospital, he will be placed in the Livingston County Jail, according to Michigan State Police.

Anyone with information about the incident should call Michigan State Police Trooper Jackson Winters at (810) 227-1051.