Suspect breaks into ex-girlfriend's home, leads Royal Oak police on chase

ROYAL OAK, Mich. (WJBK) - A 22-year-old man has been arrested for breaking into his ex-girlfriend's house in Royal Oak after already being out on bond for a domestic assault against her.

Brown City resident Joshua Pretzer has been charged with first-degree home invasion, third-degree home invasion, and third-degree fleeing and eluding a police officer. 

Police say around 4:30 a.m. April 29, officers were called to a home on the 4300 block of Judson in Royal Oak where a woman reported her ex-boyfriend had broken in. 

Officials learned the Pretzer was out on bond for a domestic assault involving the woman. She reported he broke in through a window, argued with her, damaged a door and stole her phone.

Police were able to locate the suspect's car on Greenfield and attempted a stop. That's when the vehicle fled from police on 14 Mile Road through Clawson, travelling at over 100 mph. 

The initial driver, who was determined to be 18-year-old Dylan Gazzola of St. Clair Shores, then switched places with the suspect while the vehicle was in motion.

Officers were forced to back off of the chase after the vehicle turned off its lights and drove recklessly. Later that morning Gazzola attempted to report his vehicle was stolen and was arrested.

The suspect was found Wednesday evening in Eastpointe at a home by Royal Oak investigators and members of the Troy Special Investigation Unit. 

Gazzola was charged with fourth-degree fleeing and eluding a police officer. 

Pretzer is also being held for violating his bond from the domestic assault charge.