Warren, Mich. — A Detroit man is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after police say he allegedly drove drunk, led officers on a chase through Warren, crashed his vehicle and then used his 9-year-old son as a shield while being taken into custody.
According to police, the incident unfolded around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, when officers with the Warren Police Department were patrolling near Van Dyke Avenue and Civic Center Boulevard. Officers observed a Jeep Cherokee speeding and making abrupt lane changes without signaling, prompting an attempted traffic stop.
Police said the driver, identified as 31-year-old Otez Coil of Detroit, refused to pull over and fled southbound on Van Dyke at speeds reaching approximately 80 miles per hour.
The pursuit came to an end near 11 Mile Road and Van Dyke when Coil attempted to make a right turn, lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a guardrail, authorities said.
After the crash, police allege Coil exited the vehicle, grabbed his 9-year-old son and held onto the child as officers approached to arrest him. Officers were able to safely separate the child from Coil and take the suspect into custody 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 in a statement. “We are grateful that the child was not physically harmed during this reckless event.”
During the investigation, officers reported smelling a strong odor of intoxicants and observing open alcohol bottles inside the vehicle. A blood draw was conducted to determine Coil’s level of intoxication, though results are still pending.
On Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office authorized the following charges:
- 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)
Police said Coil also has prior convictions for larceny and fleeing and eluding stemming from a 2022 case.
Coil was arraigned in court, where a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf. A judge set bond at $50,000 cash or surety. His next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 2, 2026.
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