A Royal Oak woman faces multiple felony charges after she allegedly crashed into an Ulta Beauty store while fleeing from police during a suspected drunk driving incident. The crash, which occurred on Friday evening in Oakland County, Michigan, caused significant property damage and temporarily shut down the retail store.
Authorities with the Royal Oak Police Department say the driver, whose identity has not been released, was intoxicated and uncooperative during her arrest. She is currently in custody and is expected to be arraigned this week on several charges, including operating while intoxicated (OWI), fleeing and eluding, and destruction of property.
According to police, the incident began when officers attempted to pull over a vehicle driving erratically near a residential area. Instead of stopping, the woman accelerated, leading police on a short but dangerous chase through Royal Oak. The pursuit ended dramatically when the suspect lost control and slammed into the front entrance of the Ulta Beauty store on Woodward Avenue.
Surveillance footage showed shattered glass, crushed shelving, and cosmetic products strewn across the floor. Police described the damage as "extensive" and estimated repair costs could run into the tens of thousands of dollars. No injuries were reported inside the store, which had just closed minutes before the crash.
A spokesperson for Ulta Beauty confirmed the location would remain closed temporarily while repairs were made and inventory assessed.
Officers at the scene say the driver appeared heavily intoxicated and failed field sobriety tests. Police also noted open containers of alcohol were found in the vehicle, further supporting charges of driving under the influence with open intoxicants.
The suspect was taken to a local hospital for evaluation before being booked into the Oakland County Jail. Authorities are awaiting the results of a blood alcohol content (BAC) test to confirm the level of impairment at the time of the crash.
"This could have been far worse," said a Royal Oak PD spokesperson. "Thankfully, no customers or employees were harmed, but this level of recklessness is completely unacceptable."
Officers at the scene say the driver appeared heavily intoxicated and failed field sobriety tests. Police also noted open containers of alcohol were found in the vehicle, further supporting charges of driving under the influence with open intoxicants.
The suspect was taken to a local hospital for evaluation before being booked into the Oakland County Jail. Authorities are awaiting the results of a blood alcohol content (BAC) test to confirm the level of impairment at the time of the crash.
"This could have been far worse," said a Royal Oak PD spokesperson. "Thankfully, no customers or employees were harmed, but this level of recklessness is completely unacceptable."
Royal Oak residents expressed shock over the crash, with some calling for stronger measures to prevent repeat DUI offenders. “I shop at that Ulta all the time,” said local resident Melissa Carter. “It’s scary to think how easily someone could have been killed.”
Business owners in the area are also pushing for improved safety and awareness campaigns around impaired driving. Ulta Beauty has not announced an exact reopening date for the location, but repairs are currently underway.
The Royal Oak Police Department is continuing its investigation, and additional charges may be filed as more evidence is reviewed.
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