Detroit Detective Charged After Drunk Wrong-Way Crash

A Detroit homicide detective is now facing criminal charges after allegedly driving drunk the wrong way down a Michigan road and then walking calmly away from the crash she caused. Lariah Stevens, 32, was behind the wheel of an unmarked Detroit Police Department vehicle at 8:30pm on September 10 in Harper Woods. She drove westbound through the eastbound lanes of Vernier Road before slamming into another car. Surveillance footage taken from a nearby Wayne County Community College building shows the dark police cruiser with its emergency lights flashing, heading against traffic until impact occurred. The driver exited the wrecked vehicle and strolled off the scene.

Harper Woods police arrived eight minutes after the collision to find the aftermath of the accident. Investigators confirmed Stevens was the operator and noted she had left two firearms inside the unmarked car before departing. She returned to the location roughly 20 minutes later. A breath test administered on site allegedly registered a blood alcohol level of 0.19, which is more than twice the legal limit for driving in Michigan. That arrest followed immediately after her return.

Stevens now faces three specific 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. She appeared before Judge Rebekah R Coleman on September 30 for arraignment where she pleaded not guilty. The judge set her bond at $1,000 and issued strict orders: no alcohol or illegal drugs allowed, and possession or purchase of firearms is strictly barred. Her next court date is scheduled for October 26.

Her attorney told the judge that Stevens has been receiving professional help, has stopped drinking completely, and holds a clean prior criminal record. My client has been getting help, professional help, she has been abstinent from any type of alcohol, she has no prior record, the lawyer stated during the hearing. The collision could have ended in tragedy, yet police reported there were no significant injuries because only one person was inside each vehicle involved. Photos provided by the driver of the other car show the damage sustained in the wreck.

The victim later spoke to WXYZ about the incident and urged Stevens to take responsibility for her actions. She hopes the detective will get sober and ensure an event like this never happens again. Even though Stevens was off-duty at the time, Detroit Police confirmed they were investigating the crash. Initially, the department said she had been suspended with pay. She has since moved to administrative duty within another unit while placed on no gun status as an internal review continues.

A judge set her bond at $1,000. She must not drink alcohol or use illegal drugs. The court also banned her from owning or buying a firearm.

Officials stated the department will hold Stevens accountable if an investigation finds she broke laws or policies.

'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 looked at surveillance footage for WXYZ. He questioned why anyone would leave a crash scene under those circumstances. 'Whether you're in law enforcement or not, you shouldn't be drinking and driving,' he said.

Stevens' criminal case moves forward slowly. The Detroit Police Department's internal investigation is still ongoing too. The Daily Mail has reached out to the Detroit Police Department for comment on this developing story.