STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – Video from Sterling Heights police shows a long and intense high-speed chase and the ensuing arrest of a man accused of breaking into the home of a couple who posted on social media that they were at a wedding, officials said.
Police were called at 11 p.m. Friday (Nov. 12) to a home in the 38700 block of Westchester Road.
A 19-year-old babysitter told police she had locked herself and the children she was watching inside the master bedroom and could hear someone in the home.
When officers arrived, they said they saw a glass back door wall had been shattered, and someone was exiting the home. They chased the man on foot, but a second person pulled up in a getaway vehicle -- a black Mercedes, according to authorities.
You can see video of police arriving and hear their confrontation with the suspect below.
Police said while the getaway driver pulled up, he intentionally hit a Sterling Heights officer who was on foot. That officer was taken to a nearby hospital with minor injuries, police said.
The home invasion suspect got in the Mercedes and fled the scene, so officers gave chase, authorities said. You can watch 12 minutes of dash cam footage below that shows the Mercedes and police speeding through the streets and highways.
Officials said the pursuit ended on westbound M-59 near Auburn Road when the Mercedes ran out of gas.
Police took Najib Bashar Azooz, 24, of Shelby Township into custody. He was charged with first-degree home invasion, fleeing a police officer and assault with a dangerous weapon.
Azooz is being held on $250,000 bond, 10% cash/surety. He must wear a tether, if released.
You can see body cam video of the arrest below.
Money and belongings from the home on Westchester Road were found inside the Mercedes, according to authorities.
Investigators believe that house was targeted because the homeowners posted on social media while celebrating a family member’s wedding day. Police said residents should be careful posting videos of events because it advertises being away from home.
Sterling Heights police continue to investigate the case. Anyone with information is asked to call 586-446-2825.
