Wednesday, January 10, 2024

PONTIAC, Mich. - Oakland County Prosecutor KAREN D. McDONALD charged Angel Melendez-Ortiz, a 35-year-old resident of Romulus, with two counts of second degree Murder, two counts of first degree Fleeing and Eluding Police Causing Death, two counts of Reckless Driving Causing Death, and two counts of Operating Vehicle with License Suspended/Revoked/Denied Causing Death.

On January 6, 2024, at approximately 1:30 am, police located a stolen vehicle near Greenfield Rd. and 8 Mile Rd. The driver fled and drove at speeds over 100 miles an hour and turned off the lights of the stolen vehicle as he attempted to evade the police pursuit. After an extended chase, the driver crossed over the median on Telegraph Rd. and drove southbound in the northbound lanes, and then drove the wrong way down the exit ramp from M-10 and proceeded to flee the wrong way on the freeway. The driver continued fleeing at high-speed, with the lights off, going the wrong direction, until he hit another vehicle head-on, killing both passengers. The driver of the stolen vehicle was transported to a hospital for medical treatment, where he remains.

"These are senseless deaths, and I have authorized the highest possible charges for this crime. We will pursue justice for these victims and their entire family, including their young children, and we will hold this defendant accountable," stated Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald.

Second degree Murder is a felony offense punishable by life imprisonment or any term of years. First degree Fleeing and Eluding Police Causing Death is a felony punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment and/or up to a $10,000 fine. Reckless Driving Causing Death is a felony punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment and/or up to a $10,000 fine. Operating Vehicle with License Suspended/Revoked/Denied Causing Death is a felony punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment and/or up to a $10,000 fine.

Arraignment is expected to take place this afternoon at 2:00 pm in the 46th District Court.

Charges are accusations and individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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