Labor Day Weekend High Speed Chase Results in 4th DUI Arrest in One Year for Allegan Man

On Saturday, September 5 an Allegan man led sheriff’s deputies on a high-speed chase in Van Buren County in Michigan after the man allegedly failed to stop at a stop sign and was observed driving in a reckless manner, according to a news article at Mlive.com. The man’s name was not revealed, although he is now facing numerous charges.

Police say the man was on probation for three DUI arrests over the past year. Deputies attempted to pull the man, who was driving a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado, over at just after 9:30 p.m. The driver of the truck reportedly reached speeds of over 70 mph as the chase ensued in a southbound direction on M-40, with the driver crossing the center line at one point to such an extent it forced a vehicle driving in a northbound direction off the road.

Eventually, the truck ended up at a Village Market parking lot after jumping a curb into a grassy area. Once the vehicle came to a stop, deputies ordered the driver out of the truck, however he refused and was removed by deputies. A news release issued by the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office revealed that a nearly empty bottle of whiskey and two open cans of beer were found inside the truck by deputies. The driver’s blood alcohol content was found to be 0.22 percent, nearly three times the legal limit of 0.08 percent in Michigan.

The man also had a suspended driver’s license. He was jailed and faces charges of resisting arrest, attempted fleeing and eluding, suspicion of third-offense OWI, second-offense driving while license suspended, operating a motor vehicle without insurance, and open intoxicant in a vehicle.

Although this is the man’s fourth DUI arrest within a year, a third-offense DUI is a felony, and the most serious drunken driving charge a person may face for operating a vehicle while intoxicated where no accident, injury, or death occurs. The criminal penalties for felony DUI are harsh, and include up to five years in prison, steep fines, driver’s license revocation, community service, and other punishment. In many cases, the court will order the defendant have an ignition interlock device installed on his or her vehicle.

Driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any intoxicating substance can result in life-changing consequences, loss of freedom, a ruined career, and more. Anyone who is charged with drunken driving must consult with an experienced Michigan DUI attorney who has a proven track record for obtaining good results.

Contact Information