A Swartz Creek man is facing a potential life sentence after a jury convicted him of firing at police officers during a pursuit that spanned 14 miles. Robert Joseph Nowotny, 41, was found guilty last Friday of charges including assault with intent to murder and carrying a concealed weapon, as per MLive.
The incident, which unfolded on Feb. 27, started with citizen reports of a suspicious van with loud exhaust near Linden and Hill roads in Genesee County. When the Metro Police Authority attempted a traffic stop, Nowotny, behind the wheels of said van, fled the scene. Officers pursued him as he navigated through traffic, ran red lights, and eventually led them on a chase that peaked at speeds not exceeding 40 miles per hour, detailed by CBS News Detroit.
During the pursuit, a wheel dislodged from Nowotny's vehicle, igniting sparks that later set the rear of his van ablaze. Nowotny eventually came to a stop near M-15 and Bristol Road in Davison Township. As officers approached, he opened fire, unleashing ten rounds, some piercing an officer's windshield and car seat, although no one was injured in the exchange. An officer returned fire, striking Nowotny, leading to his arrest, as WHMI reported.
Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton emphasized the peril that unfolded, stating, "This incident shows the life-threatening danger police officers may face at any time, even during a routine traffic stop. Fortunately and miraculously, no officers or citizens were killed or injured." Leyton also extended his gratitude to Assistant Prosecutor Sam Fleet and the team for their work on bringing the case to trial, as well as the Metro Police Authority and assisting agencies for their efforts. Nowotny's sentencing is slated for Feb. 2, 2026, according to information obtained from WHMI.
