DETROIT – Police revealed officers were investigating a possible sex trafficking operation that transitioned to a pursuit in Southfield that ended in a crash in Detroit.
Investigators received a tip Sunday (May 12) about two men allegedly sex trafficking two women at the Red Roof Inn near 12 Mile Road and Northwestern Highway.
They were unable to locate the room but began surveillance of the hotel when the men were spotted the next day with the two women, and officers tried to make a traffic stop.
That’s when the driver took off and led officers on a chase into Detroit.
--> Uber passenger ejected in collision with fleeing driver during Southfield police pursuit
Bodycam video shows the chase ending when the driver ran a red light and crashed into an Uber driver at the intersection of West Outer Drive James Couzens Freeway on Monday, May 13, at 5:30 p.m.
A 26-year-old woman in the Uber was thrown from the car. She remains in critical condition.
Both men suffered minor injuries. The two women allegedly sex trafficked were taken to the hospital but immediately left.
Southfield police said they wanted to talk to them.
“Understanding that these women are afraid, I will appeal to both women, you are not facing any charges and you are a victim of human trafficking and or have been forced into a life of a sex worker,” said Southfield police Chief Elvin Barren. “However, we can provide resources to assist you. Both men are in custody, and you are free from their control.”
Ricky Edwards, Jr., 48, and 60-year-old Paul Alan Dave are now facing charges.
Edwards was wanted on a parole violation for a murder and drug conviction from 2002.
Police say Dave was the driver who tried to get away from police.