BATTLE CREEK, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – A 17-year-old from Jackson after crashing his car, running from police, and then being located by a Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office K-9 in Battle Creek.
Just after 7:00 a.m. Saturday a deputy with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office was conducting routine patrol on eastbound I-94 near Helmer Road in the City of Battle Creek.
During patrol, the deputy observed a late-model black Lincoln MKX traveling eastbound on I-94. He said the teenager was engaging in reckless driving and apparent road rage behavior, endangering other motorists on the highway. The deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop by activating emergency lights and sirens, but the vehicle failed to stop and instead increased its speed.
The Sheriff’s Office says “due to the inherent danger to the motoring public, roadway conditions caused by rain, and the excessive speeds involved, the pursuit was terminated.”
Shortly after the pursuit was terminated, the suspect vehicle remained within sight and was observed losing control, leaving the roadway, and crashing into a wooded area after striking a large tree.
When the deputy arrived at the crash scene, the vehicle had sustained severe damage and was unoccupied. The driver had fled the scene on foot prior to the deputy’s arrival.
The CCSO K-9 Team and CAST Team (Drone Unit) immediately responded to assist with search efforts. CCSO deputies and assisting Battle Creek Police Department units established a perimeter around the area, and the K-9 Team was deployed into the wooded terrain near the crash site.
After an extensive search, K-9 Rio, his handler, and assisting deputies located the suspect attempting to conceal himself in the wooded area. The suspect was taken into custody without incident and escorted from the woods.
He was evaluated by LifeCare paramedics for minor injuries sustained during the crash. He was transported to a local hospital for advanced medical treatment.
The juvenile’s parents were notified of the incident, his condition, and the hospital where he was receiving care.
This incident remains under investigation.
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