A Detroit homicide detective is facing criminal charges after allegedly driving drunk in the wrong direction on a Michigan roadway, causing a collision before leaving the scene on foot.
Authorities told WXYZ that Lariah Stevens, 32, was driving an unmarked Detroit Police Department vehicle westbound in the eastbound lanes of Vernier Road in Harper Woods at about 8:30 p.m. on September 10.
Video recorded near a Wayne County Community College building reportedly shows the dark-colored police vehicle traveling against traffic with its emergency lights activated before suddenly striking another car.
After the crash, the driver exited the vehicle and walked away from the area.
Police reached the crash site approximately eight minutes later, according to the television station.
Investigators identified Stevens as the driver. They said two firearms were left inside the police vehicle after she departed, before she returned to the scene roughly 20 minutes later.
A breath test allegedly recorded a blood alcohol concentration of 0.19, more than twice Michigan’s legal driving limit. Harper Woods police then took Stevens into custody.
Stevens has been charged with operating while intoxicated with a high blood alcohol content, driving the wrong way on a one-way street and possessing a firearm while under the influence of alcohol.
She was arraigned on September 30 and entered a not-guilty plea, authorities said.
Detroit homicide detective Lariah Stevens, 32, appears glassy-eyed in her mugshot after allegedly driving intoxicated in the wrong direction and crashing into another vehicle
Stevens was charged after the September 10 collision in Harper Woods, Michigan, where police allege she was driving an unmarked Detroit Police Department vehicle the wrong way along East Vernier Road
Police said the vehicle struck another car, with one occupant in each vehicle. Stevens, who lives in Clinton Township, was later arrested on suspicion of operating while intoxicated
Judge Rebekah R. Coleman set Stevens’ bond at $1,000 and ordered her to avoid alcohol and illegal drugs. She was also prohibited from buying or possessing firearms.
Stevens is scheduled to return to court on October 26. Her attorney told the judge that she has been receiving professional assistance, stopped drinking and has no previous criminal record.
YOU MAY ALSO READ: Centuries-Old Italian Master Sculpture Found in Salvage Yard
“My client has been getting help, professional help. She has been abstinent from any type of alcohol, and she has no prior record,” the attorney said.
The crash might have had more serious consequences, but police said no significant injuries were reported. Each vehicle carried only one person.
The driver of the other vehicle later shared photographs documenting the damage caused by the collision.
In comments provided to WXYZ, the other driver urged Stevens to accept responsibility and said she hoped the detective would overcome her drinking problem and prevent a similar incident in the future.
Although Stevens was off duty when the crash occurred, the Detroit Police Department confirmed that it had opened an investigation. The department initially said she had been suspended with pay.
Stevens has since been moved to administrative duty in another unit and placed on “no gun” status while the internal investigation proceeds.
She appeared in court on September 30 and pleaded not guilty. A judge set her bond at $1,000 and ordered her not to consume alcohol or use illegal drugs as well as prohibiting her from possessing or purchasing a firearm
The department said it would hold Stevens accountable if the investigation determines that she violated the law or department policy.
‘The Detroit Police Department remains committed to transparency, accountability and maintaining the public’s trust,’ officials said.
‘We hold our officers to the highest standards – both on and off-duty – and remain unwavering in our commitment to the principle that no one is above the law.’
Former Detroit Police Assistant Chief Steve Dolunt reviewed the surveillance footage for WXYZ and questioned the decision to leave the crash scene.
‘Whether you’re in law enforcement or not, you shouldn’t be drinking and driving,’ he said.
Stevens’ criminal case and the Detroit Police Department’s internal investigation are ongoing.
Our News Outlet has reached out to the Detroit Police Department for comment.
