COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – A Burlington man was ordered to serve between 23 months and five years in the Michigan Department of Corrections Monday in Branch County Circuit Court after entering no contest pleas to three charges that were filed in connection with a July 14, 2019 police chase that went through Calhoun and Branch Counties.
36-year-old Joseph Copas entered the pleas to charges of concealing stolen property, operating while his license was suspended, and fourth degree fleeing and eluding. The sentences he got on the three counts were concurrent.
Seven other charges were dismissed by Branch County prosecutors in exchange for his pleas.
Copas wa also charged in Calhoun County since the pursuit started near Burlington.
At the time, the Michigan State Police say they were checking out leads on Copas regarding multiple felony warrants and that he had been eluding police for more two weeks. The chase started after Troopers spotted Copas in a stolen vehicle as they were following up on a tip. The pursuit eventually ended near Clarendon and Bidwell Roads in Butler Township.
