28-year-old father of 2 died after a 16-year-old boy evading police in a stolen vehicle struck him during a 130 mph chase; boy will be tried as an adult
Michigan – In a heartbreaking tragedy in Michigan, a 28-year-old father of two, identified as A. Habib, was killed when a 16-year-old boy, identified as D. Canales, fleeing police at speeds of up to 130 mph in a stolen car, crashed into his vehicle. Prosecutors have announced that the teenage driver, Canales, will be tried as an adult on charges including second-degree murder.
The fatal incident happened in the early morning hours of July 12, when police responded to reports of suspicious activity at an apartment complex. Officers spotted a vehicle moving slowly with its headlights and taillights turned off. When they attempted to pull the car over, the driver — later identified as Canales — sped away at an extremely high rate of speed. According to Assistant Prosecuting Attorney J. Hall, the teen reached speeds of up to 130 mph as he led officers on a dangerous chase throughout the area. The chase came to a deadly end around 3 a.m. when Canales crashed into the vehicle operated by Habib.
Habib, a hardworking father who supported his wife and two young children, was rushed to the hospital but tragically succumbed to his injuries. Habib had recently married just six months earlier and was working two jobs — one as an Uber driver and another at a local restaurant — to provide for his 1-year-old and 3-month-old sons. Prosecutor P. Lucido announced that Canales will face charges as an adult, citing the seriousness of the case. During Canales’ arraignment, Magistrate R. Zemke denied bond, citing concerns for public safety and the severity of the charges. Canales is facing second-degree murder, two counts of fleeing a police officer, operating a vehicle with a suspended, revoked, or denied license, and unlawful driving away of a motor vehicle.
Adding to the tragedy, police discovered that Canales had a 12-year-old child as a passenger during the chase. Though the younger child is not facing charges, prosecutors highlighted the grave danger Canales’ actions posed to everyone involved. Assistant Prosecutor Hall emphasized the teen’s “lack of regard for authority” and pointed to the concerning circumstances of the night. “The fact that the 16-year-old was out at 2:30 a.m. with the 12-year-old, stealing a car, shows a lack of parental authority and supervision,” Hall told the court. Following the crash, Canales was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries but was taken into custody after receiving treatment. He is currently being held at the juvenile justice center. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 28.
The death of Habib has left the community devastated. Friends and family describe him as a devoted husband and father who worked tirelessly to care for his young family. “It’s the sharpest pain,” said Habib’s relatives, noting how unbearable it is to think of the two children now growing up without their father. Authorities continue to investigate the events of that night, but the core facts paint a painful picture: a reckless decision, a stolen vehicle, and a high-speed escape attempt led to the sudden loss of a young father’s life.
As Canales awaits trial, the case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can unfold from reckless actions — especially when combined with a lack of supervision, stolen vehicles, and high-speed chases. For Habib’s family, the grief will last a lifetime, as they now face the challenge of moving forward without the man who meant everything to them.
