HILLSDALE, MI (WTVB) – Conservation officers from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Law Enforcement Division arrested a fugitive Monday who led officers on a lengthy vehicle and foot pursuit through Hillsdale and Lenawee counties.
Randon Goebel, 21, of Waldron, Michigan was wanted in Ohio after failing to appear for sentencing on a felony abduction charge and violation of a personal protection order. He also had four bench warrants issued in Michigan for failing to appear in court.
The story of Goebel’s apprehension began around noon Monday. DNR conservation officer Carter Woodwyk, who is assigned to Hillsdale County, was investigating a suspicious vehicle in a parking lot at the Lost Nations State Game Area. Woodwyk stopped the Dodge Durango after it pulled out of the parking lot onto a road. The officer approached the vehicle and asked Goebel for his identification. Goebel complied with the request.
While Woodwyk was checking for outstanding warrants in the state’s Law Enforcement Information Network, Goebel fled in his vehicle. Woodwyk pursued Goebel, ultimately traveling into Lenawee County, where Goebel abandoned his sport-utility vehicle and fled on foot near the Michigan-Ohio border.
Conservation officers Chris Reynolds of Hillsdale County and Eric Smither of Lenawee County responded during the chase. They assisted with maintaining a perimeter and accompanying a K-9 unit from the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office in Ohio tracking Goebel at the scene. Officers from numerous other agencies assisted in the pursuit.
Goebel was found hiding in a cornfield. He surrendered without incident.
The vehicle and foot pursuit lasted a total of nearly three hours.
Goebel was returned to Ohio where he was lodged in jail in Williams County, awaiting his next court appearance. Charges in Michigan are being sought for attempting to flee and elude police.
