No arrest in fleeing and eluding investigation.

No arrest in fleeing and eluding investigation.

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.

NEW ERA – The suspect who allegedly fled from police at a high rate of speed on US 31 Friday, Aug. 16, resulting in several Michigan State Police troopers surrounding his house at Third and Ray streets near the Wesco convenience store for approximately five hours has not been arrested.

As of Monday morning, Aug. 19, there has not been an arrest, said MSP Sgt. Charles Hockanson.

The suspect – a man in his early 30s – was not armed or considered dangerous, said MSP Lt. Matt Kanitz at the scene early Saturday morning, Aug. 17. “It was a non-violent incident, and he does not have a violent history,” said Kanitz. The public was not in any danger, he added.

Kanitz and several other police officers were on scene after midnight, but cleared the scene shortly thereafter.

“Troopers did not pursue the vehicle as it fled at high speeds,” stated Spl./Lt. David Cope, public information officer, in a press release issued Saturday, Aug. 17.

“As troopers followed up with their investigation, they attempted to make contact with a man believed to be connected to the earlier flee and elude at his home,” Cope stated. “The man was believed to be alone inside the residence and would not cooperate with law enforcement. The man was not believed to be armed or a danger to the public.

“Law enforcement cleared the area after 12 a.m. without incident and will be seeking charges in connection with the earlier flee and elude incident,” Cope stated. “The MSP Hart Post continues to investigate.”

Police were in contact with the suspect via cell phone while he was inside his home until he apparently fell asleep.

New Era Police Department and the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office assisted, and Life EMS was also on scene for standby.

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