Kalamazoo, MI: On Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012 at 9:11 p.m., A Kalamazoo Public Safety officer conducted a traffic stop on a 2012 Silver Chrysler Minivan for a traffic violation on Portage Rd near E. Crosstown Pkwy.  As the officer approached the vehicle and made contact with the male driver, he pretended to look for his driver’s license and abruptly sped away at a high rate of speed southbound on Portage Rd.  The driver lost control of his vehicle while attempting to make a left turn onto Washington St. crashing into the front of a business.  Moments after the crash, Public Safety officers arrived on scene to see the driver exit the vehicle and flee on foot. Public Safety officers gave chase and were able to apprehend him after a brief foot pursuit.

The vehicle and building involved in the crash received extensive damage. The driver of the vehicle reported minor injures from the crash and was transported to Bronson Hospital for treatment. 

The thirty-year-old driver is currently lodged at the Kalamazoo County jail on the charges fleeing and eluding, resisting and obstructing arrest, driving on a suspended license and two outstanding misdemeanor warrants pending review of this investigation by the prosecutor’s office.

Anyone who may have information regarding this investigation is asked to call Kalamazoo Public Safety at 337-8994 or Silent Observer at 343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

By authority of:  Lt. Matt Huber

Date:  October, 23rd, 2012

Address:  150 E. Crosstown Parkway, Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Contact:  Captain Victor Ledbetter, Criminal Investigations Division, 337-8139