Royal Oak Police Arrest Clawson Man After Car Chase

The following press release comes from the Royal Oak Police Department. An arrest is not an admission of guilt.

Cornel Barbat, a 42-year-old Clawson resident, was arrested for Fleeing and Eluding after leading Royal Oak police officers and Michigan State Police troopers on a lengthy vehicle pursuit. The pursuit began in the 700 block of Ottawa and ended near I-696 and Van Dyke. The suspect attempted to elude officers by fleeing down residential side streets and main roads on Friday, May 29, 2015, at 8:29 p.m.

Royal Oak officers where called to the 700 block of Ottawa after the suspect approached an adult female and a 9-year-old child and displayed suspicious and unusual behavior. The unusual behavior suggested the suspect may have been attempting to lure the child to his vehicle. Officers located the suspect and attempted to stop and identify him when he fled in his 2000 Mercedes Benz SUV.

Once the suspect vehicle entered the freeway, the pursuit was taken over by the Michigan State Police. The suspect eventually crashed near I-696 and Van Dyke and was taken into custody and transported to the Royal Oak Police Department.

“I would like to thank the Michigan State Police for their help with this pursuit. Police pursuits are always dangerous and we are grateful that the teamwork between our two agencies resulted in the safe arrest of a dangerous suspect.” Chief Corrigan O’Donohue said.

The Royal Oak Police Department Criminal Investigations Division investigated this incident and determined there was not sufficient evidence to support an attempt child abduction charge. The suspect, who has a history of mental illness, has no prior criminal history.

On May 31, 2015, Cornel Barbat, was charged with one count of Fleeing and Eluding 3rd Degree, which carries a penalty of up to five years and a $1,000 fine. He was also charged with one count of Resisting/Obstructing a Police Officer, which carries a penalty of up to two years and a fine of $2,000.

On May 31, 2015, he was arraigned before 6th Circuit Court Honorable Judge Faycurry. He was given a $10,000 bond. His next court date is scheduled for June 8, 2015 in the 44th District Court before the presiding Judge.