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Posted on Fri, Dec 23, 2011 : 4:02 p.m.

Chase of stolen police car races through Washtenaw County on I-94

By Paula Gardner

The driver of a stolen police vehicle from the Jackson area headed into Washtenaw County on I-94 before veering onto southbound US-23, where Michigan State Police troopers stopped the car near the Ohio border.

The chase started in Blackman Township, west of Jackson, where the suspect took a fully marked Chevrolet Tahoe, according to Michigan State Police.

He led police eastbound on I-94, where officers in Washtenaw County picked up the chase. It reached estimated speeds of 130 mph.

The chase - which included the driver using full lights and siren - headed southbound at US-23, when the driver started to head toward Milan.

Troopers from the Michigan State Police's Ypsilanti detachment dropped "stop sticks" in the highway near Milan. The front two tires deflated, but the vehicle continued toward the state line.

The vehicle crashed near Stern Road, and the suspect was taken into custody.

Initial reports indicated that the suspect may have had at least one rifle or shotgun in the vehicle.

No information was available yet on the circumstances surrounding the vehicle theft.

Comments

JS

Sat, Dec 24, 2011 : 3:29 p.m.

This issue needs further elaboration from the police department. WHY isn't there a GPS locator installed in all police vehicles? And WHY isn't there a remote kill switch also? I can understand a police chase if the technology wasn't available, but <a href="http://aol.it/ignitionblock" rel='nofollow'>http://aol.it/ignitionblock</a> says otherwise. If there was an accident and someone was hurt it would be because #1 the idiot stole the vehicle, and #2 the police did not utilize this technology. I'd really appreciate an explanation from the law enforcement community and not some armchair cowboy. So A2.com, sounds like a good investigative reporting opportunity for an enthusiastic reporter huh? Get on it because this situation doesn't need to occur again.

Are you serious?

Sat, Dec 24, 2011 : 3:11 p.m.

It is certainly seems like it should be possible to put a remote kill switch in any vehicle. Given the electronics that are already in most police cars, it's a good idea. The technology certainly exists to make it secure enough that no one could hack it. Maybe it is just too costly.

Nephilim

Sat, Dec 24, 2011 : 4:51 p.m.

You make a valid point, years ago some of the cars had a simple hidden switch that disabled the shifting mechanism. Very simple yet very effective. If the car was left running, there was absolutely no way to get the vehicle in drive w/o knowing where the switch or in what combination had to be keyed in. No idea why they don't install these anymore.

YpsiLivin

Sat, Dec 24, 2011 : 2:29 p.m.

Wouldn't you think that public service vehicles like police cars, fire trucks and ambulances would have remote kill switches - a la OnStar?

Ron Granger

Sat, Dec 24, 2011 : 2:20 p.m.

How fortunate the police did not kill an innocent bystander or family by continuing this chase in excess of 100 mph. Talk about terrible judgement.

Nephilim

Sat, Dec 24, 2011 : 2:32 p.m.

How fortunate the police didn't kill any innocent bystanders? Of course Ron it's always the cops that kill people in these situations. Again, another narrow minded lib that only sees the perceived bad by the police. Not one mention that the suspect caused all of this. You sure summed it up at the end. Talk about terrible judgement.

KINGofSKA

Sat, Dec 24, 2011 : 4:03 a.m.

He's heading the wrong way! Go towards Canada!

jns131

Sun, Dec 25, 2011 : 5:13 p.m.

O I would love to see Border Patrol on that one. Those boogers are mean when it comes to crossing without permission. That one I would have loved to have seen.

Borbsi

Sat, Dec 24, 2011 : 4:02 a.m.

I was eastbound 94 @ State as this possie overtook traffic. At least six State Police cars chased the perp, passing traffic on the right and left sholders and weaving hrough traffic at speeds that made us looked like we were standing still. Very disturbing. Lagging several miniutes behind came another pair of persuing police cars at high speed, why?.There was no possibility of engagement with this chase. I am amazed there was no collateral damage .

MIKE

Sat, Dec 24, 2011 : 3:05 p.m.

Yes, it is great that there was no collateral damage. It's a good thing the police stopped him before he hurt anyone.

Dave

Sat, Dec 24, 2011 : 3:27 a.m.

I was on the bridge over 94 at State St...this guy was going so fast that the MSP couldn't get the stop sticks down in time. Little did I know the guy was going to die a short time later.

RunsWithScissors

Sat, Dec 24, 2011 : 1:35 p.m.

According to the article on mlive: &quot;After the accident, the man suffered a seizure from being under the influence of drugs and was transported to a hospital in Toledo for further evaluation, Johnston said. He is not believed to have suffered any injuries. His status is unknown at this time.&quot;

justcurious

Sat, Dec 24, 2011 : 12:08 p.m.

Did the suspect die? I didn't hear that.

Nephilim

Sat, Dec 24, 2011 : 3:07 a.m.

Sorry, JC. You know nothing about me and to try and tell me what I would do in any given circumstance is a sad attempt at self validation and preservation. You have every right to your beliefs just please do everyone a favor and not try and push your factless opinions and then later your presumptions off on the rest, including me.

Billy Bob Schwartz

Sat, Dec 24, 2011 : 2:39 a.m.

I don't like high speed chases. I even more don't like the idea of a serious felon (say, murderer or armed robber) fleeing to avoid arrest, and the police decide not to give chase just to be safe. This theft of a police car seems very weird, and maybe it was just a &quot;joy ride,&quot; but what if it wasn't? There is a reason why someone flees contact with the police. Hard call, but I think I side with the chase.

obviouscomment

Sat, Dec 24, 2011 : 2:31 a.m.

Very serious question...when the police car was stolen, was it sitting running and unlocked outside a gas station or restaurant? I've always wondered if anybody would actually try to take advantage of that situation that I see way too often.

justcurious

Sat, Dec 24, 2011 : 1:30 a.m.

More details. <a href="http://www.mlive.com/news/jackson/index.ssf/2011/12/chelsea_man_taken_to_hospital.html" rel='nofollow'>http://www.mlive.com/news/jackson/index.ssf/2011/12/chelsea_man_taken_to_hospital.html</a>

xmo

Fri, Dec 23, 2011 : 11:31 p.m.

Was this staged for COPS or some other TV show?

jns131

Sat, Dec 24, 2011 : 3:25 p.m.

Wonder if this ended up on You Tube? Would make for a great true crime story.

KINGofSKA

Sat, Dec 24, 2011 : 4:04 a.m.

Worlds Dumbest on TruTV.

sellers

Fri, Dec 23, 2011 : 10:59 p.m.

Good thing he was stopped before pulling over innocent people and causing harm. Next time - don't chase at 130 MPH okay - thanks bye!

Ypsi_Wings_Fan

Fri, Dec 23, 2011 : 10:43 p.m.

It seems to me like the only reason somebody would steal a cop car is to start a high speed chase and it appears the police simply indulged him by playing his game. If a full size SUV hit another car at 130 MPH I can't even imagine the destruction that would ensue (is that how you spell it?). Giving chase in a situation such as this seems dangerous and a use of poor judgment on the behalf of the police.

Ypsi_Wings_Fan

Thu, Dec 29, 2011 : 11:12 p.m.

I like that frustrated A2.

Frustrated in A2

Sat, Dec 24, 2011 : 6:10 p.m.

A criminal with a high powered rifle in the right environment can also cause a lot of destruction. It's not like they were chasing a regular person's car, it was a fully equipped police vehicle. There are &quot;what if's&quot; in both of our comments, instead of looking at either of the what if's let's just be happy it ended safely with a subject under arrest and nobody was hurt. That sounds like a good end to me.

Nephilim

Sat, Dec 24, 2011 : 12:08 a.m.

What do you do for a living? Oh yea....that's right. Disregard sorry.

RJA

Fri, Dec 23, 2011 : 10:17 p.m.

I was just about to take a nap when this chase started. Needless to say, the police scanner kept me awake. Thank God, nobody was injured and this idiot was arrested. I was not in my car, or I wouldn't have heard the chase. To those that don't know, it is against the law to have the scanner in your car. Thanks to all officers that helped in the chase...they did a great job!

CityFF

Sat, Dec 24, 2011 : 5:20 a.m.

Still illegal.

Adam

Sat, Dec 24, 2011 : 1:42 a.m.

It's called an iPhone...there's a scanner on there , that not illegal in anyway..anyways who really owns a scanner? Theres a free one in the App Store.

JC

Fri, Dec 23, 2011 : 10:37 p.m.

Glad there are no life threatening injuries and the man suspect was caught. Police scanners can be used in your vehicle. A permit from the Michigan State Police is no longer required under amendments to section 750.508 that became effective on May 31, 2006.

dading dont delete me bro

Fri, Dec 23, 2011 : 9:38 p.m.

talk about drive it like you stole it...

Adam

Fri, Dec 23, 2011 : 9:38 p.m.

I was driving on I-94 and black undercover SUV whirled by our car at a good 95mph without hazard/emergency lights on, followed by a Waterloo Sheriff and an identical black suv with their lights on. As we kept driving we turned on the police scanner we could hear them talking about how they were in excess of 130mph and was still loosing sight of the stolen car. It was quite a sight.

jns131

Sat, Dec 24, 2011 : 3:24 p.m.

The fun wasn't at the malls it was on the highway. Darn, didn't get out there fast enough to watch. Glad they caught him though.

Chaz H

Sat, Dec 24, 2011 : 6:48 a.m.

Good lord, can nobody spell? It is losing, not &quot;loosing.&quot;

omniskeptic

Sat, Dec 24, 2011 : 3:19 a.m.

I thought, as did RJA, that it was illegal to have a scanner in your car, but apparently not. According to radioreference.com, with some restrictions about using it in commission of a crime and a few other provisions, you can. Been that way since 2006.

Adam

Fri, Dec 23, 2011 : 9:39 p.m.

About 10 to 15 more cops passed us within the next 20minutes **

smokeblwr

Fri, Dec 23, 2011 : 9:36 p.m.

I'd wager dollars to donuts this car was headed to wear most stolen cars in this area head to: Detroit. However, why the heck they'd steal a police car when there are so many old Honda Civics sitting around is befuddling.

smokeblwr

Sat, Dec 24, 2011 : 10:21 a.m.

You mean my comment/opinion DOESN'T matter. Unless the &quot;/&quot; implies &quot;and&quot; rather than an exclusive &quot;OR&quot;.

Chaz H

Sat, Dec 24, 2011 : 6:47 a.m.

When you do not know the difference between &quot;where&quot; and &quot;wear,&quot; your comment / opinion do not matter.

smokeblwr

Sat, Dec 24, 2011 : 12:15 a.m.

That wasn't in the version of the article I read. So can only assume he was headed to Columbus.

justcurious

Fri, Dec 23, 2011 : 9:38 p.m.

&quot;The driver veered southbound on US-23, troopers said, and headed toward Monroe County.&quot;

Dutchy734

Fri, Dec 23, 2011 : 9:32 p.m.

&quot;The chase was reaching speeds of 100 mph, according to dispatches, as the stolen car made its way toward Ypsilanti.&quot; or as the car made its way toward Ann Arbor..

jns131

Sat, Dec 24, 2011 : 3:22 p.m.

As I read this and the article I am reminded of the guy out of Nevada who won a Lamborghini and ended up wrapping it around a tree a few hours later. What people won't do for speed. What a nut to grab a cruiser and go for broke.

justcurious

Fri, Dec 23, 2011 : 9:30 p.m.

I'm not totally convinced that police chases for a stolen car should take place. It's just a car and it endangers innocent people's lives. Hopefully, no one will be hurt.

MIKE

Sat, Dec 24, 2011 : 2:59 p.m.

Justcurious, I wonder if you would feel the same way if that criminal pulled up in your driveway, looking for someplace to lay low. Just because someone runs is not a reason to let him go.

CityFF

Sat, Dec 24, 2011 : 5:18 a.m.

In my opinion: Stolen car - no chase Stolen police car that's armed to the teeth - chase

justcurious

Sat, Dec 24, 2011 : 1:33 a.m.

Nephilim, you would be the first to sue if your loved one was killed. You talk big because it hasn't happened to you.

Nephilim

Sat, Dec 24, 2011 : 12:05 a.m.

<a href="http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Content/getdoc/b2448313-21af-462e-931e-567947e12aa0/PIT-Maneuver---Amerault.aspx" rel='nofollow'>http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Content/getdoc/b2448313-21af-462e-931e-567947e12aa0/PIT-Maneuver---Amerault.aspx</a> Here's a link that is based off actual research, not an article that quotes a bunch of democrat whiner groups.

Nephilim

Fri, Dec 23, 2011 : 11:47 p.m.

What's flawed just curious is the fact that people with your mindset would rather let criminals go that are willing to do acts such as that with the potential to remain loose because of all your mindless &quot;what ifs&quot;. I know the statistics and I also know when somethig horrific does happen, you all point the finger at the police, never the felon. Then if they let themngo and they commit another heinous act against a civilian, you point the finger at the cops and scream, you coulda had hid but let them go. So in the end whose logic is flawed? Even in these posts here, never once have you made one comment that this is the bad guys fault.

sellers

Fri, Dec 23, 2011 : 10:58 p.m.

With the police car - the suspect could impersonate an officer very easy and cause great harm to many law abiding citizens. While a 130 MPH chase is not needed IMO, you do not want to lose this car for more than 5 minutes.

justcurious

Fri, Dec 23, 2011 : 10:36 p.m.

<a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-04-22-police-chase-deaths_N.htm" rel='nofollow'>http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-04-22-police-chase-deaths_N.htm</a> The statistics aren't good.

justcurious

Fri, Dec 23, 2011 : 10:32 p.m.

Your logic is flawed Nephilim. It was a marked police car. Hard to evade the police for long with that. Too many times innocent bystanders have been killed by fleeing vehicles, or the chasing officers themselves have died.

Nephilim

Fri, Dec 23, 2011 : 9:45 p.m.

Most police cars are equipped with an assault rifle and a shotgun plus all the rest of the gear to be a cop on patrol. Yea probably safer to allow whomever has enough gall to steal a cop car, have time to later remove the weapons and gear. Perfect logic to let them go.