A late night “lookout” alert led St. Clair County Sheriff deputies on a chase Wednesday morning after a Sanilac County man fleeing a possible abduction attempt.
Just after midnight on February 1, 2023, St. Clair County deputies received an alert from the Sanilac County Central Dispatch to “be on the lookout” for a dark colored sedan, possibly an Impala, fleeing from police. The car was the center of an investigation into a stalking complaint and had been last seen southbound M-25 near Lexington.
While on routine patrol, a St. Clair County deputy saw a black Impala approaching southbound at a high rate of speed on 24th Avenue in Fort Gratiot Township and began pursuing the vehicle. Despite the deputy’s attempt to stop him, the Impala’s driver ignored the lights and sirens as they approached the Blue Water Bridge, going through an empty toll lane and heading for the bridge before turning around. Exiting the bridge back into the U.S, he continued westbound in the eastbound lanes before entering onto eastbound I-94 in the correct direction.
The pursuit continued on to Pine Grove Ave, now with multiple units involved. After numerous stop sticks were deployed, the Impala was operating on 1 good tire and 3 rims, and the subject attempted to evade police by driving in and out of a gas station parking lot. Upon exiting, the subject collided with a patrol car, causing him to lose control and crash into a snowbank.
At this time a short foot pursuit began and the male driver was quickly detained, despite active resistance and continuous threats. Belligerent in the patrol car and while being booked at St. Clair County Jail, the man is being held on charges of fleeing and eluding, as well as driving under the influence.
The detective bureau is also continuing to investigate a possible abduction attempt in Sanilac County that might involve other parties. Authorities believe the man may be a flight risk looking to flee the state and possibly the country.
More information will be shared when it becomes available.
