COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – A Coldwater man who was arrested just over three weeks ago after a chase in Batavia Township involving the Branch County Sheriff’s Department entered a guilty plea on Monday in Branch County Circuit Court to a charge of fourth degree fleeing and eluding.
40-year-old Daniel Hutchins also entered a guilty plea to a charge of tampering with his electronic monitor as a third time habitual offender.
Other charges against Hutchins in the two pending case were dismissed by prosecutors as part of a plea bargain agreement.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 16th.
Court documents show the deputy began pursuing Hutchins’ mini-van on North Snow Prairie Road near Lindley Road. Speeds during the 15 minute chase reached as high as 70 mph. It continued southbound across US 12 and ended after Hutchins pulled into a trailer park and drove around for a time before finally coming to a stop.
