Mears man arrested following chase

HART TWP. — Troopers from Michigan State Police Hart Post arrested a 25-year-old Mears man Thursday morning following a vehicle and foot chase.

The incident began when a trooper attempted to stop a minivan on northbound U.S. 31 near the Oceana/Muskegon county line around 1:30 a.m. Thursday morning. The vehicle was clocked at traveling 95 mph. The driver refused to pull over and actively attempted to flee from the pursuing trooper.

The fleeing vehicle continued for approximately 15 miles and exited the expressway at Polk Road and then traveled to a private mobile home park in Hart Township. The driver then caused an intentional collision with an MSP vehicle, according to a state police press release, which resulted in damage to the police vehicle.

The driver then abandoned his vehicle in the mobile home park and fled on foot. He was quickly apprehended by troopers.

The driver was arrested and lodged in the Oceana County Jail on the following charges: Felony unlawful driving away an automobile; felony flee and elude a peace officer; felony operating while intoxicated, third offense; misdemeanor driving while license revoked.

The driver’s name is being withheld pending arraignment.

Troopers were assisted by officers from the Oceana County Sheriff’s office, Hart Police Department, and Shelby Police Department.