Man flees after alleged sexual assault in Detroit; arrested in Melvindale

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A suspect in an alleged sex crime in Detroit fled from police, abandoning the allegedly stolen car he was in, and was eventually stopped and arrested in Melvindale. (Photo courtesy of Michigan State Police)

A recent police chase involving a convicted rapist on the run from another alleged sexual assault in Detroit ended in the backyard of a Melvindale home.

The incident occurred on May 23.

Melvindale Police Chief Robert Kennaley said his officers heard what was happening in Detroit on their radios.

The suspect, 35-year-old Mikel Lauderdale, is accused of beating and sexually assaulting a woman at knifepoint in her Detroit home, stealing her vehicle and fleeing.

Detroit police tried to stop him, but he refused to stop.

He headed toward the Downriver area.

Kennaley said when he reached Melvindale, the man simply drove as far as he could, abandoned the car and fled on foot.

He said Lauderdale had no specific intention of coming to Melvindale.

Nevertheless, Melvindale officers responded to the incident and assisted other law enforcement agencies.

Detroit police were able to track him by pinging the woman’s car, assisted by a Michigan State Police helicopter with its forward-facing infrared camera.

Lauderdale tried to hide by running from one yard to another, but was eventually arrested.

Kennaley said he does not believe it was his officers who actually made the arrest.

He attributes this to the Detroit police.

Lauderdale is facing charges of kidnapping and assault.

Read more in the News Herald

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