A multi-state pursuit involving a U-Haul truck concluded in Branch County last night. According to WOOD TV, a 48-year-old man from LaGrange, Indiana, who had a felony warrant, was arrested after he led authorities on a chase from Indiana into Michigan, refusing to yield and barricading himself inside the vehicle with a knife.
The Michigan State Police reported that the chase began in LaGrange when the suspect fled from the local sheriff's department. Driving the U-Haul, he entered St. Joseph County, where WZZM 13 says stop sticks were deployed, failing to end the pursuit as the man continued his flight into Branch County. The suspect, showing a knife, refused to leave the truck after he drove off the road and into a ditch off US-12, west of Wheeler Road.
Negotiations led by officers on the scene resulted in the man putting the knife down and exiting the vehicle without further incident, as WOOD TV details. Inside the U-Haul, authorities discovered seven dogs and another passenger, with WTVB stating, all of whom were reported unharmed during the arrest.
The incident, which required a portion of US-12 to be closed, ended with the suspect being taken to the Branch County Jail. He faces charges of fleeing and eluding and multiple resisting and obstructing, according to WZZM 13.
After being safely removed from the truck, the passenger and dogs were turned over to appropriate authorities, with WTVB confirming the support from multiple departments, including LaGrange and Branch County Sheriff's Departments, Bronson Police, and LifeCare Ambulance.
Authorities are now calling on the public for additional information related to this case. Individuals with knowledge pertinent to this incident are encouraged to contact the Michigan State Police Marshall Post at 269-558-0500 or Crime Stoppers at (574) 288-STOP, as WZZM 13 notes in their coverage.
