BUTLER TOWNSHIP, MI (WTVB) – A Michigan State Trooper investigating a child custody dispute in Branch County’s Butler Township was dragged by a vehicle fleeing the scene.
Just before midnight on Saturday, police were called to the area of Jonesville Road and North Ray Quincy Road for a reported domestic assault. They found a 26-year-old man in his vehicle with a 1-month-old baby, where they had probable cause to arrest him.
The man fled police in the vehicle, dragging a trooper 10 feet as he took off. The trooper sustained minor injuries to their leg.
With the child in the car, troopers chose not to chase the driver and spark a potential high-speed chase. When they spotted the vehicle a short distance away, they tried to initiate a traffic stop, and the driver took off again, crossing into Hillsdale County.
Less than a half-hour later, police found the man and the child at a home in Hillsdale and he was taken into custody without further incident.
The infant was returned to its mother unharmed.
State Police say the suspect will face multiple criminal charges, including domestic violence, child endangerment, resisting and obstructing police causing injury and fleeing and eluding police.
Our Troopers deserve our Prayers and Thanks. They are the true road warriors out on the treacherous roads helping people.