BATAVIA TOWNSHIP, MI (WTVB) – A pursuit of a U-Haul truck that started in LaGrange County, Indiana ended in Branch County on Tuesday night with the driver arrested on numerous charges.
The Michigan State Police from the Marshall post say the U-Haul entered St. Joseph County from Indiana. The pursuit went east on U.S. 12 before the U-Haul crashed west of Wheeler Road.
Troopers say the 48-year-old suspect had a warrant out of LaGrange County and fled from the LaGrange County Sheriff’s Department.
Stop sticks were used in St. Joseph County before the chase on U.S. 12 entered Branch County where it was picked up by the Branch County Sheriff’s Department.
A second series of stop sticks led to the U-Haul crashing into a ditch. The suspect then barricaded himself inside of the U-Haul and refused to comply with commands.
State Police say he had a long knife in his hand before officers were able to negotiate with him and convinced him to put the knife down.
A portion of U.S. 12 had to be closed. The suspect was eventually removed from the vehicle and placed into custody without further incident.
The suspect, his passenger, and seven dogs inside the vehicle were unharmed during the arrest.
The suspect was taken to the Branch County Jail and booked on fleeing and eluding charges as well as multiple resisting and obstructing charges.
The passenger and animals were safely removed from the vehicle and turned over to the appropriate authorities.
State Police received assistance from the LaGrange and Branch County Sheriff’s Departments, Bronson Police and LifeCare Ambulance.
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