FORT GRATIOT TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A stalking suspect fleeing from St. Clair County police sped through an empty toll booth, had three of his four tires flattened by stop sticks, and eventually crashed into a patrol vehicle and a Port Huron snow bank.
Man flees stalking investigation scene
Deputies in Sanilac County issued a “be on the lookout” just after midnight Tuesday into Wednesday (Feb. 1) for a dark-colored Chevrolet Impala. The driver had fled officials who went to investigate a stalking complaint, they said.
A St. Clair County deputy in Fort Gratiot Township saw the Impala heading south on 24th Avenue at a high speed. When the deputy tried to pull the car over, the driver ignored the deputy’s lights and sirens and fled toward the Blue Water Bridge.
Wild chase details
The Impala sped through an empty toll lane in the direction of the Blue Water Bridge, according to authorities. It continued toward the bridge before turning around, exiting back on the United States side, and heading west.
Police said the Impala drove west in the eastbound lanes of I-94 for awhile before crossing over to the eastbound lanes.
The chase continued onto Pine Grove Avenue. Multiple police agencies were involved at that point, authorities said.
Officers deployed stop sticks several times, but the Impala continued to flee despite having just one intact tire and driving on three rims.
The driver tried to evade police by driving in and out of a gas station parking lot, but he smashed into a patrol car, lost control, and ended up in a snow bank, according to deputies.
Foot chase, arrest
The man got out of the car and ran away, but he was arrested after a short foot chase.
He actively resisted arrest and threatened officers, police said. He was belligerent in the patrol car and while being booked into the St. Clair County Jail, officials said in a release.
The man is being held on charges of fleeing and eluding and driving under the influence.
Detectives are investigating what “might have been a possible abduction attempt” in Sanilac County, the release says.
Officials are working to determine whether other people were involved.
The investigation continues.