Convicted rapist captured in Melvindale faces 12 new criminal charges – The News Herald

Lina PortmanJune 4, 2024

6 1 minute read

A suspect in an alleged sexual assault in Detroit has fled police. He abandoned the allegedly stolen car he was in and was eventually stopped and arrested in Melvindale. (Photo courtesy of Michigan State Police)

A police chase involving a convicted rapist on the run for another alleged sexual assault in Detroit led officers on a chase that ended in the backyard of a Melvindale home.

The events occurred on May 23.

Melvindale Police Chief Robert Kennaley said his officers heard what was happening in Detroit on their network radios.

The suspect, Mikel Lauderdale, 35, allegedly beat and sexually assaulted a woman in her Detroit home at knifepoint, stole her vehicle and fled.

He is charged with four counts of criminal sexual conduct, kidnapping, armed robbery, second-degree criminal sexual conduct and assault with intent to cause great bodily harm, less than a murder.

He is also charged with auto theft, felonious assault, fleeing police (fourth degree), and second offense notice for criminal sexual conduct.

Detroit police attempted a traffic stop as he fled, but he would not stop.

He was heading towards the downstream area.

Kennaley said upon arriving in Melvindale, the man simply drove as far as he could, abandoned the car and left on foot.

He said Lauderdale did not specifically intend to come to Melvindale.

Nonetheless, Melvindale officers responded to the developing incident and assisted other law enforcement agencies.

Detroit police were able to track it by pinging the woman's car and with the help of a Michigan State Police helicopter using its forward-facing infrared camera.

Lauderdale tried to hide, moving from meter to meter, but he was eventually arrested.

Kennaley said he did not believe it was his officers who actually made the arrest.

He credits the Detroit police for this.