BRONSON, MI (WTVB) – A chase involving a Bronson Police officer ended abruptly Friday evening when the vehicle being pursued crashed on U.S. 12 at Snow Prairie Road.
Bronson Police Chief Stephen Johnson says his officer tried to stop a red Ford SUV for a traffic violation.
Upon initiating the traffic stop, the SUV driver fled east on U.S. 12 at a high rate of speed in an attempt to evade the officer.
The pursuing officer reported the suspect was driving in a dangerous manner, passing vehicles on the right.
As it approached the Snow Prairie Road construction detour at about 8:20 p.m., the SUV suddenly veered to the right to avoid rear-ending another vehicle turning north on Snow Prairie.
This abrupt action caused the suspect vehicle to drive onto the shoulder of the road. The driver appeared to overcorrect, which caused the vehicle to slide and roll over several times before going through the construction barrels and cones. It landed back on its wheels.
An unidentified passenger was seen fleeing from the scene on foot. A Michigan State Police K-9 dog was brought in, but the passenger is still at large. Anyone who has information on the fleeing passenger is asked to contact Bronson Police or Silent Observer.
The driver was taken to a nearby hospital with minor injuries. Johnson says speed and possible controlled substance use are believed to be factors in the incident and criminal charges are expected upon the return of lab reports.
Bronson Police were assisted by the Michigan State Police, the Bronson Fire Department and Life Care Ambulance.
