FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – A motorcyclist who ran out of gas after taunting officers and reaching speeds over 140 mph during a chase from Dearborn to Oakland County has been identified.
Dearborn police said they tried to stop Abdel Rahman Tarabah, 26, of Dearborn, just before midnight Tuesday, April 9, 2024, because he was being reckless on his motorcycle.
Officials said the motorcycle had no visible license plate, and Tarabah fled at a high speed.
Tarabah repeatedly taunted police during the chase, popping wheelies and reaching speeds of more than 140 mph, according to authorities.
A Michigan State Police helicopter followed Tarabah as he sped through several cities. He left the roadway, drove through yards, and traveled at high speeds even when there were no officers around, police said.
Tarabah fled a second traffic stop by Redford Township police and sped off at over 100 mph, officials said.
Tarabah eventually entered Farmington Hills, and police tracked him down in the area of Middlebelt and 8 Mile roads.
When officers tried to pull him over, Tarabah fled east on Grand River Avenue from Middlebelt Road.
Tarabah reversed his course and went west on Grand River Avenue, with Farmington Hills police in pursuit. He ultimately ran out of gas in a parking lot near Purdue Street and surrendered to police.
Tarabah held his hands in the air and told officers that he had a handgun, officials said. Cops found a loaded 9 mm around his waist.
He was taken into custody without further incident.
“When an individual flees from police, they endanger the public at large, the officers in pursuit, and themselves,” Farmington Hills police Chief Jeff King said.
Oakland County prosecutors charged Tarabah with third-degree fleeing and eluding and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
He was arraigned at 47th District Court and given a $10,000 bond, 10%, cash/surety. He is being held at the Oakland County Jail.
Dearborn and Redford Township police are also pursuing charges against Tarabah.