By Paul Garrod
Staff Writer
news4garrod@gmail.com
DECATUR – A 33-year-old Hartford area man faces a variety of charges, including flee and elude, possession of methamphetamine, following his recent arrest, according to a press release from the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office.
The man, who was not identified, also faces charges of malicious destruction of property, multiple warrant arrest, driving while license suspended, improper plate and no insurance, according to Van Buren County Sheriff Daniel Abbott.
Sheriff Abbott said the pursuit of a2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer with an improper registration, was initiated in the Village of Decatur, near East Sherwood and South East Street.
The vehicle failed to stop when emergency lights and siren were activated, after observing traffic violations. The vehicle fled on Sherwood Street, turned northbound onto Seneca, proceeding to Delaware Street and continued westbound. The vehicle continued westbound, ignoring traffic lights and the speed limit, until it reached the village limits south of town on M-51 Highway. Once the vehicle exited the village, speeds reached nearly 80 mph., according to Sheriff Abbott. The vehicle continued on M-51 Highway until it turned southbound onto County Road 215. The vehicle turned eastbound onto 92nd Avenue and eventually ran off the road into a cornfield in the 49000 block of 92nd Avenue.
It was at this point that the deputy terminated his pursuit, and a perimeter was set up.
Deputies and assisting agencies set up a perimeter. Cass County Sheriff’s Office was able to get a drone up into the air, and the suspect surrendered himself. Sheriff Abbott said citizens in the area were very helpful in this matter. “They provided a quad to a sergeant from the Sheriff’s Office, and visual observations of the last known sighting of the suspect. They were able to assist in setting up a strong perimeter with their information and familiarity with the lands. The suspect was taken into custody with no issues,” said Sheriff Abbott
The suspect vehicle was located disabled and abandoned in the woods. A search of the vehicle revealed drugs and drug paraphernalia. The suspect was found to have multiple warrants for his arrest from Van Buren County.
The suspect was transported to the Van Buren County Jail on his warrants as well as multiple new charges. The case is still ongoing, according to Sheriff Abbott.
Assisting agencies included the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Pokagon Tribal Police, Decatur Police, and Michigan State Police.
