An off duty Westland Police Officer assisted in the arrest of a man who fled from Police in the City of Harper Woods.

Michigan State Police say an ex-con with a stolen gun attempted to evade police on Saturday afternoon. State troopers patrolling I-94 identified an older model Silverado pickup truck traveling at a high rate of speed shortly before 3pm on Christmas day. The Silverado maneuvered on and off the freeway and gained distance ahead of the troopers by running a red light. At that time, troopers decided not to continue the pursuit. The Silverado continued at a high rate of speed on the I-94 service drive until crashing at the intersection of Harper and Vernier.

Police say the driver of the Silverado fled the crash scene on foot. The suspect was located a short time later when he approached an area homeowner asking to call his girlfriend. A statement from the Michigan State Police identifies the homeowner as an off-duty Westland Police Officer. The Westland Officer held the suspect until Harper Woods PD arrived on the scene.

The stolen gun was recovered and the suspect is being identified as a 38 year old male. State Police say the suspect is also a convicted felon.