MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. – A 31-year-old Detroit man was arrested and charged after police said he drove drunk, led Warren officers on a chase and crashed while his 9-year-old son was in the car.
At about 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 16, Warren officers were on patrol near Van Dyke and Civic Center Boulevard when they saw a Jeep Cherokee speeding and making abrupt lane changes without signaling.
Driver flees
Officers tried to initiate a traffic stop on the driver, identified as 31-year-old Otez Coil, but he refused to stop.
The driver then fled southbound on Van Dyke at speeds reaching about 80 mph.
You can watch dash cam and body cam footage from the chase and arrest in the video at the top of this article.
Chase ends in crash
Police said the chase ended at 11 Mile Road near Van Dyke when Coil tried to make a right turn, lost control of the car and crashed into the guardrail.
Man holds 9-year-old son amid arrest
After crashing, Coil allegedly got out of the car, “grabbed his 9-year-old son and held onto him as officers approached him to take him into custody,” police said.
Police safely separated Coil from his son and arrested him without further incident.
The child was not injured.
“This was an incredibly dangerous situation where a suspect chose to operate a vehicle while intoxicated and then flee, endangering not only the public but their own child in an effort to escape responsibility for their actions,” Warren Police Commissioner Eric Hawkins said. “We are grateful that the child was not physically harmed during this reckless event. Thankfully, officers were able to get the suspect off the roadway before a tragedy occurred.”
Open alcohol bottles found inside car
While investigating, officers smelled a strong odor of intoxicants and saw open alcohol bottles inside the car. A blood draw to determine Coil’s level of intoxication was taken, but the results are still pending.
Charges
On Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office issued the following charges against Coil:
- Fourth-degree child abuse (One-year misdemeanor)
- Second-degree fleeing and eluding (10-year felony)
- Operating while intoxicated (93-day misdemeanor)
- Driving with a suspended license (93-day misdemeanor)
He also has prior convictions for larceny, and fleeing and eluding in 2022, according to police.
Bond
Coil was arraigned, and a not guilty plea was entered.
A judge set his bond at $50,000 cash/surety.
Next court date
Coil is scheduled to appear in court again on Jan. 2, 2026.