A high-speed incident involving a motorcyclist and the Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) unfolded last Friday when a motorcyclist tried to evade a traffic stop and led officers on a chase, utilizing both city streets and off-road trails. According to FOX 17, the pursuit began near Division Avenue and Burton Street, with the motorcyclist later taking to sidewalks and a dirt path in the woods.

However, an assist from a Michigan State Police (MSP) helicopter, equipped with thermal imaging technology, allowed law enforcement to continue the pursuit from the sky. The air support played a crucial role; after the motorcyclist collided with a car at the intersection of Buchanan Avenue and Plaster Creek Boulevard, MSP officers directed ground units to the suspect's location, as reported by WOODTV. The suspect was ultimately apprehended after a foot pursuit lasting less than a minute post-crash.

GRPD Chief Eric Winstrom emphasized the strategic use of technology over high-speed ground chases, which pose significant risks to the community. "Because it was a low level crime of simply speeding, driving recklessly, no headlight, we probably wouldn't have take those steps so he probably, without the helicopter, would have been home free," Winstrom told WZZM 13. The motorcyclist's identity has yet to be released, and details regarding the charges they may face are still pending.