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By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief
CUSTER TOWNSHIP — The suspect involved in Monday’s two-county chase that ended with a crash is a 37-year-old Wellston, Manistee County man. The chase began when Oceana County Sheriff’s Office deputies attempted to perform a traffic stop on a Chevrolet Equinox on Jefferson Road near 120th Avenue in Crystal Township, Oceana County.
“The chase took place a little over 11 miles with speeds up to and over 100 mph,” Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast said. “The suspect went through several stop signs, using no care or caution.”
The chase led north on 120th Avenue, which turns into Darr Road in Mason County.
Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole said a Mason County Sheriff’s Office deputy spotted the suspect vehicle northbound on Darr Road at Chauvez Road where the vehicle ran a stop sign.
“The suspect vehicle fled from the Mason County deputy to Wilson Road,” Cole said. He then went eastbound on Wilson Road to Custer Road where the suspect lost control and crashed into several trees.”
Sheriff Mast said the vehicle rolled multiple times and then landed in an embankment.
“The suspect was then taken into custody and turned over to emergency medical services where he was transported by ambulance to Corewell Health Ludington Hospital where he remains at this time.”
Mason County Sheriff’s Office Crash Investigation Team estimated the speed of the vehicle, at the time of the crash, was 91 mph.
Mast said the suspect, who does not have a driver’s license, has multiple arrest warrants. He said multiple substances were retrieved from the suspect’s vehicle, suspected illicit drugs, and they have been sent to the state crime lab for evaluation.
“We plan on arresting the suspect once he is released from the hospital,” Mast said. Cole said the suspect also faces charges in Mason County.
The chase involved deputies from Oceana County Sheriff’s Office and Mason County Sheriff’s Office along with troopers from Michigan State Police Hart Post. Custer Fire Department and Life EMS assisted on the scene, along with the MCSO Crash Investigation Team.
“We are very appreciative to the assistance provided by Mason County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police, Custer Fire Department, and Life EMS,” Mast said. “This could have ended in tragedy anywhere along those 11 miles. We are thankful for an outcome that didn’t harm innocent bystanders.”
Allison Scarbrough, News Editor, contributed to this story.
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