A Michigan man is now facing a litany of charges after brandishing a firearm at police officers and leading them on a high-speed pursuit turned foot chase, according to officials. Michael Robert Southworth, a 31-year-old resident of New Baltimore, was arraigned yesterday following the weekend incident. He's been hit with an array of felonies, including third-degree fleeing police, three counts of felony firearm, assault with a dangerous weapon, and more, as detailed by CBS News.
In an episode that culminated in a cornfield confrontation, Southworth was labeled a habitual second offender, was granted a $1 million cash/surety bond, and, if released, must don a steel cuff GPS tether and abstain from acquiring or handling firearms, weapons, or ammunition. Initially, he had allegedly shattered the windshield of a vehicle with the butt of a long gun in Shelby Township before fleeing. Ignorant to repeated commands from law enforcement, Southworth emerged from his halted vehicle, firearm in hand, only to be shot in the leg by a Michigan State Police trooper.
The Macomb County Sheriff's Office provided further details of the arrest on social media. They reported that after Southworth's initial destructive act at a Mobil Gas Station on 24 Mile Road, a chase ensued northbound on M-53, concluding north of 34 Mile Road as Southworth's vehicle veered off and stopped in a field. Following a dangerous standoff, he was apprehended without further incident.
Southworth is scheduled for a probable cause hearing on April 1 and a preliminary examination on April 8. Meanwhile, he remains housed at the Macomb County Jail.
