Detroit Detective Charged After Alleged Drunk Driving Crash
Lariah Stevens faces multiple charges including operating while intoxicated and driving the wrong way.
A Detroit homicide detective has been charged with multiple offenses after allegedly driving an unmarked police vehicle the wrong way down a road while intoxicated and crashing into another car. Lariah Stevens, 32, was reportedly driving westbound in the eastbound lanes of Vernier Road in Harper Woods on September 10 when the collision occurred around 8:30 p.m.
Surveillance footage from a nearby community college building captured the vehicle traveling the wrong direction with its emergency lights activated before the crash. Authorities stated that Stevens exited the vehicle and left the scene, leaving two firearms inside the police car. She returned to the location approximately 20 minutes later.
Upon arrival, police administered a breath test that allegedly showed a blood alcohol level of 0.19, significantly exceeding Michigan's legal limit of 0.08. Stevens was subsequently arrested by Harper Woods police.
Stevens faces charges of 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 pleaded not guilty during an arraignment on September 30. A judge set her bond at $1,000 and ordered her to abstain from alcohol and illegal drugs, as well as prohibiting her from possessing or purchasing firearms.
Stevens' attorney informed the court that his client had been seeking professional help, had stopped drinking, and had no prior criminal record. The collision resulted in no significant injuries, as each vehicle contained only one occupant. The driver of the other vehicle provided photographs documenting the damage from the crash and expressed a hope that Stevens would take responsibility and prevent future incidents.
Despite Stevens being off-duty at the time of the incident, the Detroit Police Department confirmed it was conducting an internal investigation. Initially suspended with pay, she has since been placed on administrative duty in a different unit and is on "no gun" status pending the investigation's outcome. The department has stated it will hold Stevens accountable if the investigation reveals violations of law or departmental policy, emphasizing its commitment to transparency and public trust.
Former Detroit Police Assistant Chief Steve Dolunt commented on the incident, questioning the decision to leave the scene and reiterating that drinking and driving is unacceptable for anyone, including law enforcement officers.
Both Stevens' criminal case and the Detroit Police Department's internal investigation are ongoing.
