Teen To Be Charged As Adult In Crash That Killed Oakland Co. Father: Police

WARREN, MI — A 16-year-old Detroit juvenile will be charged as an adult in connection with a crash during a police chase that killed an Oakland County man last weekend, according to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office.

Officers tried to stop a black Hyundai Sonata at 2:40 a.m. Saturday in the area of Interstate 94 and Gratiot Avenue in Clinton Township, police said.

The Sonata, which was moving slowly through the area with its headlights and taillights turned off, had just been stolen from a nearby neighborhood, police said.

The driver of the Sonata sped away from officers and led them on a chase through multiple metro Detroit communities, police said.

The driver eventually sped through a red light at the intersection of 11 Mile Road and Van Dyke Avenue in Warren and smashed into a Ford Fusion, police said.

The driver of the Fusion was taken to Henry Ford St. John Macomb Hospital where he died, police said.

The teen who fled police was taken to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said.

He was treated and released, and then arrested in connection with the crash. Prosecutors are expected to announce charges Thursday.

"This is a deeply troubling case. The decision to charge a juvenile as an adult is never made lightly. In this matter, we proceeded with careful and thorough consideration of how to best uphold fairness and justice. We are dealing with a serious allegation involving a minor whose actions are believed to have caused the death of an innocent man, a man who was simply driving to support his family," stated Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido. He added, "Actions have consequences, and while youth is a factor, it does not erase accountability. Our role is to seek justice, and in this case, that means proceeding with the full weight of the law."

Police identified the victim as 28-year-old Alex Habib, a Madison Heights father who leaves behind his 1-year-old daughter, a 3-month-old son and his wife.

A GoFundMe page, created by family members, described Habib as a family man.

"Alex worked tirelessly to provide for Danielle and the kids, both emotionally and financially. He was a man of deep love, quiet strength, and unwavering dedication — someone who gave selflessly and always showed up for the people he loved. His loss is felt not just by his wife and children, but by all who knew him," page organizers wrote.

Habib worked as a server at Jim Brady’s restaurant on Main Street in Royal Oak.

"We have lost a beloved member of our team," the restaurant staff said in a Facebook post. "Alex Habib, who was loved by all those who came into contact with him, has been taken from all of those close to him far too early."

As of Wednesday, the GoFundMe effort has raised more than $98,000.