An Oakland County man from Farmington faces multiple charges after leading police on a high-speed chase in Shelby Township, with speeds clocking at more than 100 mph over the limit while intoxicated and in possession of a stolen firearm. According to ClickOnDetroit, authorities apprehended Anthony Averitte curled up in the backseat of a black Ford Mustang, after a resident's report of the same vehicle recklessly parking in their driveway prompted police to pursue.
The initial sighting of the speeding Mustang occurred on June 13, with the vehicle traveling at 75 mph in a 45 mph zone. When the police officer gave chase, the car accelerated to 143 mph within the same speed-limited area, as described between the lines by the Shelby Township Police Department's social media post. A homeowner's call led authorities to the suspect after fleeing initially, with Averitte eventually found in possession of the vehicle and the incriminating evidence.
Inside the Mustang, officers discovered several open alcohol bottles and a rifle with serial numbers that appeared to be tampered with. Despite the attempt to file off the serial numbers, police identified the gun as one stolen from Detroit. Averitte was arrested and charged with receiving and concealing a stolen firearm, possession of a firearm by a drunk operator, and operating while intoxicated. His bond was set at $50,000 cash/surety.
Shelby Township Chief of Police Robert J. Shelide praised the officer responsible, stating, “I want to commend this officer on his hard work and determination on getting this reckless criminal off the street. Taking a stolen gun off the street and stopping a drunk driver is a win for safety for our public,” found in the words posted by the Shelby Township Police's Facebook. "Shelby Township Police is committed to protecting this community and holding those who break the law accountable-especially when they put other lives at risk."
