Novi Police Seek Woodhaven Man After Pair Of Crashes

NOVI, MI — Novi Police are searching for a 53-year-old Woodhaven man in connection with a pair of crashes Friday at Grand River Avenue and Beck Road. The crashes occurred shortly before 5 p.m. after Oakland County Sheriff’s Deputies say James William Sebastianelli led them on a chase through Lyon Township.

A deputy was traveling northbound on Napier Road approaching Ten Mile Road when he spotted a black Ford Fusion with an expired plate. The deputy stopped the Fusion on Napier near Seaglen Drive, according to Oakland County Sheriff’s reports.

Before the deputy could make contact, Sebastianelli did a U-turn and sped away, reports said. A pursuit followed moments later north on Napier to Twelve Mile Road where deputies said Sebastianelli turned east onto Grand River.

The deputy continued the pursuit to Wixom Road before stopping, reports said. Speeds never got higher than 55 mph, according to a Sheriff’s Office news release.

After driving a mile further east, deputies said Sebastianelli hit two vehicles at the intersection of Beck Road and then fled again. No injuries were reported as a result of the crashes.

The Sheriff’s Office said Sebastianelli has an outstanding felony warrant for Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer 3rd Degree from Lincoln Park and a second warrant for Obscene Conduct/Indecent Exposure in Lyon Township.

Additional arrest warrants for Fleeing and Eluding Police from the Oakland County Sheriff and Leaving the Scene of an Accident from the Novi Police Department are being sought, reports said.

Anyone with information on Sebastianelli’s location is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. There is a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to his arrest and callers will remain anonymous.

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