The driver was taken into custody after deputies used a Taser following a crash into a guardrail and light pole in Grass Lake Township, according to MLive.com. The arrest ended a 29.5-mile pursuit early Sunday that began when a vehicle left a traffic stop in Summit Township.
According to MLive.com, deputies on patrol conducted the traffic stop at 2:11 a.m. on Nov. 8 when the vehicle sped off, kicking off a chase that stretched across nearly 30 miles of Jackson County roadway before ending in the guardrail and light pole crash in Grass Lake Township.
Pepper Spray Fails, Driver Flees Again
After the vehicle briefly stopped, deputies attempted a high-risk felony stop, MLive reported. The driver told deputies he would force them to shoot him. Deputies used pepper spray, but the driver then drove off again at high speed, according to the report.
The vehicle’s second flight ended when it hit a guardrail and light pole in Grass Lake Township. MLive reported that the driver eventually exited the wrecked vehicle before deputies used a Taser. WILX also reported that deputies used a Taser to take the suspect into custody.
Arrest, Medical Clearance and Pending Charges
MLive reported that deputies used a Taser to subdue the man. After he was medically cleared, he was taken to the Jackson County Jail. At the time of the report, felony charges for operating while intoxicated, fleeing and eluding, and resisting arrest had not yet been formally filed.
Potential Penalty Under Michigan Law
The Michigan Legislature’s fleeing-and-eluding statute classifies a violation resulting in a collision or accident as a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, or both. The statute does not determine what charge, if any, will be filed in this case.
The overnight incident drew a wide response from area agencies. The Napoleon Township Police Department, Blackman-Leoni Department of Public Safety, Michigan State Police, Jackson Police Department, Jackson Community Ambulance and Grass Lake Township Fire Department all assisted, the report notes.
Sheriff Credits Deputies' Restraint
Jackson County Sheriff Gary Schuette praised the deputies’ restraint, tactical discipline and professionalism, MLive reported. The department highlighted how the encounter ended after the driver fled twice and threatened to force an officer-involved shooting.
