Centerville man accused of leading deputies on pursuit, stripping nude, and assaulting official

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Mich. -- Deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Friday of a vehicle that had reportedly left the scene of a property damage incident in the Village of Centerville, according to the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office.

The suspect was located traveling on M86 and led deputies on a pursuit through Colon Township, causing property damage and nearly colliding with several other vehicles, according to officials.

Deputies say the suspect lost control of his vehicle and crashed onto private property in the Village of Colon.

Immediately following the crash, the suspect exited the vehicle and allegedly began stripping off clothing until he was nude.

Deputies called out verbal commands and the suspect initially complied, but then assaulted a deputy, allegedly striking him in the face, according to the Sheriff's Office.

After a brief struggle, the man was subdued, handcuffed and arrested.

The suspect was later identified as a 38-year-old man from Centerville, and was taken to Sturgis Hospital, where he was medically cleared.

The man is currently lodged at the St. Joseph County Jail and is facing charges of Eluding, Assault on a Peace Officer, Resisting and Obstructing, Indecent Exposure and Driving While License Suspended.