COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – A Battle Creek man was formally charged with third degree fleeing and eluding in Branch County District Court Tuesday, following a high speed chase last February that started in Battle Creek and ended on the west side of Coldwater.
32-year-old Joshua Allan Miller was wanted by Battle Creek Police at the time of the pursuit for allegedly holding an ex-girlfriend against her will for three days and nearly strangling her. He was wanted on charges of kidnapping and driving a stolen vehicle with improper plates.
Miller has a prior criminal history that includes charges of home invasion, aggravated stalking and domestic violence.
Because of that, District Judge Brent Weigel set bond for Miller during his arraignment at $100,000 as he called the original $25,000 bond “woefully inadequate”.
He also said Miller’s request to lower his bond was not appropriate.
Court documents state speeds reached as high as 135 miles an hour during the pursuit which involved police agencies from two counties.
Miller was taken back to Calhoun County following his arrest.
As the chase headed south on I-69, a Branch County Sheriff’s Deputy was able to deploy Stop Sticks at the Dayburg Road overpass, flattening the tires of the vehicle. The chase slowed down to around 95 mph as the tires started coming apart at Jonesville Road.
The chase then exited onto U.S. 12 and headed west.
After the chase went through a red light at Michigan Avenue, a Branch County Sheriff’s Deputy was able to end the pursuit by pinning the vehicle into the curb at Munson Street. The suspect was quickly apprehended and taken into custody.
Units involved in the chase included Battle Creek and Marshall Police, the Branch and Calhoun County Sheriff’s Departments and the Michigan State Police. Branch County and Calhoun County Sheriff units sustained minor damage during the chase.
