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Update: Police say woman who crashed into Ulta store was fleeing cops; drunk driving suspected

11 November 2025 at 17:44

Royal Oak police have released additional information about a woman crashing her vehicle into the Ulta Beauty store on Woodward Avenue early Sunday morning — alleging she had been fleeing officers and is suspected of drunk driving.

Katrina Deann-Renee Patterson, 26, is charged with multiple felonies:

• Fleeing police — third-degree
• Assault/resist/obstruct police
• Two counts of felonious assault
• Malicious destruction of a building
• Malicious destruction of personal property
• Malicious destruction of police property

mugshot
Katrina Patterson booking photo

According to a news release from Royal Oak Police Lt. Rich Millard, the incident unfolded at around 12:40 a.m. Nov. 9 when officers responded to a report of a white SUV driving on the railroad tracks near West Fourth Street and South Center Street. Officers reportedly spotted an open container of alcohol in the SUV, which had a tire “going flat,” and the driver — identified as Patterson — refused to cooperate with them. She then took off in her SUV, down Washington Avenue.

The police pursuit continued onto Farnum Avenue, onto Oakridge Avenue and then into an alley paralleling Woodward where Patterson reportedly turned; she accelerated and lost control of her vehicle, crashing into the Ulta store, the release states.

Patterson allegedly tried to flee while her SUV was fully lodged in the building, “backing up and ramming a patrol car,” the release states. She kept trying to drive away, moving the SUV further into the store where she caused thousands of dollars in damage, the release states.

After the SUV became lodged on debris, Patterson was taken into custody without further incident, the release states.

Patterson is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol at the time, but that determination is pending blood test results, the release states.

The amount of damage caused in the crash has not yet been determined.

crash into building
An unidentified worker removing debris from the store on Sunday (Jeff Payne/MediaNews Group)

Patterson and a male passenger — who was cited for having open alcohol in the vehicle — were medically evaluated for minor injuries suffered in the crash. No officers were injured.

“We are extremely fortunate this suspect did not seriously injure or kill our officers, herself, her passenger or anyone else during this reckless incident,” said Police Chief Michael Moore.

Of the criminal charges Patterson faces, malicious destruction of a building carries the stiffest possible penalty —  up to 10 years in prison. The other crimes have possible penalties ranging from two years to five years incarceration.

Patterson is held in the Oakland County Jail with bond set at $50,000 — with no 10% provision. Her next court appearance is tentatively scheduled for Nov. 21.

Patterson’s criminal history includes a 2023 conviction for operating while intoxicated in Port Huron.

Recent similar incidents

This is the third reported incident in recent days of vehicles crashing into buildings in Oakland County.

Last Thursday, six people were hurt when a 77-year-old Bloomfield Hills woman drove into the Thai Taste To Go restaurant on Telegraph Road near Long Lake Road in Bloomfield Township.

And on Oct. 27 in Troy, a 45-year-old woman reportedly crashed a  Chevy Equinox into the side of a residence on Woodside Trail. In that incident, police said witnesses reported that prior to the crash the woman hit a trailer while making a left turn, and then her vehicle rolled down the hill into the building.  After she refused to submit to a breath test, officers were granted a search warrant to have medical personnel draw her blood and the case was subsequently turned over to the detective bureau, police said.

Felon charged in Troy gas station armed robbery

Pontiac man killed in 7-vehicle crash on icy M-59

Nanny accused of murdering grandfather to undergo court-ordered psych evaluation

Crushing aftermath: Highland man nearly killed when hit by drunk driver, left with lifelong injuries; driver could be out of prison next year

 

The driver was taken into custody after reportedly fleeing police and crashing her car into the Ulta store on Woodward Avenue in Royal Oak, suspected of being drunk (Jeff Payne/MediaNews Group)

Royal Oak homicide victim ID’d; medical examiner said he died from multiple sharp force injuries

27 October 2025 at 20:03

While Royal Oak police haven’t yet provided an update for the slaying of an 83-year-old man on Oct. 24, his identity has been confirmed as David Ong of Bloomfield Hills.

A volunteer at St. Hugo of the Hills Catholic Church’s parish office told The Oakland Press on Monday that Ong, who died last Friday at a home in Royal Oak, was a member of St. Hugo’s.

The Oakland County Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy on Ong on Monday and ruled the death a homicide. The cause of death was “multiple sharp force injuries to the head and hands, and complications thereof.”

Royal Oak police arrested the suspected killer, a 35-year-old woman — described as an acquaintance of the family — on Friday evening after responding to a report of a man calling for help in the 4300 block of Sheridan Drive in Royal Oak. The suspect had blood on her hands, police said, and was taken into custody following a brief foot chase.

Ong was found unresponsive in the home’s basement with multiple stab wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

The suspect’s name has not yet been released. Arraignment is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, police said.

A social media post from Ong’s daughter, Kelley Ong Smith, said he died “while protecting his cherished 3 year old granddaughter.”

“The loss is immeasurable,” she stated.

According to Ong’s obituary, he was “the most loving husband to Jacqueline” — his wife of more than 60 years — devoted father of four, and “Grandpa Dave” to 11.

The obituary further states, in part: “David’s life was defined by faith, humility and a gentle spirit. He was deeply caring, a true friend and a steady source of encouragement and support. He took joy in understanding everything about his children and grandchildren. He loved sports and rarely missed a chance to cheer for his Wolverines, Lions and Tigers. He enjoyed rides in his convertible, loved music and served as a mentor to his family and to many colleagues and employees.”

Ong founded the commercial real estate consulting and development firm, Acquest Realty Advisors, which he led for 45 years, the obituary states.

Visitation is planned for Oct. 31 at Desmond Funeral Home, 2600 Crooks Road in Troy from 1 to 5 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Hugo of the Hills Catholic Church, 2215 Opdyke Road in Bloomfield Hills on Nov. 1, with visitation at 9:30 a.m. and Mass at 10 a.m.

 

Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office (file photo by Aileen Wingblad/MediaNews Group)
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