High-Speed Police Chase Erupts After Theft of Four Ford F-150s in Michigan
In a dramatic series of events, four brand-new 2025 Ford F-150 pickup trucks were stolen from a shipping yard in Woodhaven, Michigan, on Tuesday night. The theft set off a high-speed police chase that spanned multiple cities, putting lives at risk and showcasing the determination of local law enforcement to bring the suspects to justice. The stolen vehicles, part of Ford’s best-selling lineup, were taken from a facility on Vreeland Road, prompting a swift response from authorities in Woodhaven and neighboring areas. The case has drawn attention not only for the audacity of the theft but also for the dangerous antics of the suspects, who evade police through residential neighborhoods and highways.
Wyandotte Police Chief Archie Hamilton described the chaos as the suspects led law enforcement on a perilous chase through several cities, including Wyandotte, Ecorse, Lincoln Park, River Rouge, and Detroit. Dashcam footage captured the heart-stopping moments as one of the suspects drove recklessly, reaching speeds of 80 mph on residential streets. The suspect weaved in and out of oncoming traffic, ignoring the safety of other drivers and police officers alike. “This suspect caused all kinds of carnage,” Chief Hamilton said. “It could’ve been much worse. He damaged a police car, endangered many lives on the road, and put these officers at risk.” Despite the dangers, the Wyandotte Police Department continued the pursuit, refusing to back down even as the chase crossed jurisdictional lines.
The incident highlights the challenges law enforcement face in balancing public safety with the pursuit of criminals. Many police departments have strict pursuit policies, often choosing to end chases that leave their jurisdiction or pose excessive risk to public safety. However, Chief Hamilton made it clear that his department takes a different approach. “Unfortunately, a lot of agencies have restrictive pursuit policies or no pursuit policies—they won’t even let their officers chase. That’s the wrong message to send to criminals,” he said. “The message we want to send is that if you run from the police in a vehicle, you will go to prison, and we won’t stop pushing you.” This philosophy was put to the test as officers from multiple agencies worked together to track down the stolen vehicles and apprehend the suspects.
The chase began when Woodhaven police responded to the theft at the shipping yard. While officers were en route, a sharp-eyed Wyandotte officer spotted one of the stolen Ford Raptors on Fort Street near Vinewood. The officer noticed the vehicle was already traveling at an excessive speed, and when attempts to initiate a traffic stop failed, the pursuit was underway. “They were coming down like a train,” Chief Hamilton said, describing the intensity of the chase. Officers Groat and Gardocki of the Wyandotte Police Department took the lead in pursuing the suspect, following him through multiple cities until the chase finally ended in Detroit with a crash. The suspect was taken into custody, and the stolen vehicle was recovered.
Chief Hamilton expressed pride in his officers’ determination and the lessons they hope the suspect—and others like him—will learn. “We taught that young man a very good lesson. He can tell his friends too. In fact, I hope everyone in the Wayne County Jail is watching this story and learning this valuable lesson: police aren’t going away, especially here in Wyandotte. Don’t do it,” he said. The message is clear—crime will not be tolerated, and law enforcement will go the extra mile to ensure justice is served.
As for Ford, a spokesperson stated that the company is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation and declined to provide further details at this time. Thankfully, all four stolen vehicles have been recovered, and the suspect responsible for the theft and chase is now behind bars. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities of crime and law enforcement in modern society, as well as the bravery and dedication of officers who put their lives on the line to protect their communities. For now, the people of Wyandotte and surrounding areas can rest a little easier knowing that their police department remains committed to keeping them safe.
