A high speed chase on I-75 between Oakland County Sheriff’s Deputies from the Independence Township substation and a suspect driving a Chevy Blazer ended when officers pinned the fleeing vehicle against a guardrail near Baldwin Road on Feb. 17.
Deputies became involved in the chase at approximately 8:43 p.m. after being alerted by Grand Blanc Township police that they had terminated the chase of the Blazer for a broken taillight on southbound I-75 near East Holly Road.
The suspect, a 20-year-old from Traverse City, was arrested for felonious assault with a motor vehicle and fleeing and eluding.
The Independence Township deputies drove in front of the man who was driving erratically and attempted to slow him down. They forced him off the road when he appeared to be heading straight at another citizen’s car.
As stated in reports, after the Blazer reentered the roadway, a patrol car again moved in front of him and attempted to stop the vehicle. This time, the man rammed the patrol car, which stayed in front of him as there was no traffic. The suspect hit the patrol car again at about 70 miles per hour then careened into the guardrail.
After striking the guardrail near Baldwin Road, the suspect attempted to pull away, but was boxed in by another deputy. The suspect’s vehicle struck the second patrol car, but was unable to break away.
With the doors inoperable due to the crash, deputies busted the suspect’s driverside window to arrest him. The suspect swore and spit at police who treated his injuries.
According to reports, the man’s deep cuts to his left forearm appeared to be self-inflicted and a bloody knife was found in the vehicle.
The Independence Township Fire Department transported the man to Genesys Hospital in Grand Blanc. After increased bleeding, the man was transported to the University of Michigan Hospital for surgery.
A subsequent investigation revealed the man had taken the vehicle without permission from his ex-girlfriend in Mount Pleasant.
Police recovered a single pill of Oxycodone from the suspect. As stated in reports, blood tests taken at the hospital revealed no alcohol or Oxycodone in the man’s system.
Reports also stated the man had an outstanding warrant for a probation violation. No further information was available at press time.