A high-speed chase involving a stolen SUV and a sleeping baby unfolded in Port Huron, ending in a crash in Chesterfield on Thursday. The Port Huron Police Department stated that the chase began after a juvenile suspect took a vehicle at around 9 p.m. near Pine Grove Avenue and Hancock Street with a 1-year-old baby on board. Audacy reported that the thief, unaware of the child in the back seat, led the police on a pursuit at speeds over 100 mph.
The incident escalated when a Marysville police officer detected the stolen vehicle on I-94 near Gratiot Ave. and made an attempt to stop it, only for the teen to initiate a high-speed chase. The pursuit, including St. Clair County Sheriff Deputies, ended when the stolen Chevrolet Equinox, just off 21 Mile Rd. near Sugarbush Road, collided into multiple parked cars, as reported by FOX 2 Detroit. Mercifully, the child was found safe and unharmed by emergency responders.
Upon investigation, authorities learned this marks the sixth vehicle theft by the 16-year-old suspect, whose name has not been released pending his arraignment. "We are aware that he does have some criminal history that is concerning and similar to what happened last night," Port Huron Assistant Police Chief Jeremy Young told ClickonDetroit.
The relentless pursuit, captured on police dash cam footage, showcased the suspect weaving through traffic, speeding down the freeway, careening in and out of exits, and ultimately crashing outside the Sugarbush Tavern. Brennan Richter, the tavern owner, expressed relief that the crash did not occur near the outdoor patio filled with patrons, according to FOX 2 Detroit.
A statement obtained by Audacy from the Port Huron PD commended the collaborative efforts of various departments, saying, "We want to thank the Marysville Police Department, St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office, and Chesterfield Township Police Department for their swift response and teamwork in bringing this dangerous situation to a safe resolution."
