Driver leads deputies on pursuit through vineyard, swamp
Three people were arrested after leading deputies on a vehicle pursuit through rural roads and a vineyard Monday evening, according to the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office. The pursuit ended when the driver crashed and the vehicle caught fire.
A deputy noticed an unregistered Toyota Camry traveling southbound on CR665 near 38th Avenue around 8:15 p.m.
The deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the vehicle did not stop, according to deputies.
The driver led the deputy on a pursuit down rural roads and through a grape vineyard.
Speeds during the pursuit averaged 60-65 mph and reached a maximum of 85 mph, according to deputies.
During the pursuit, deputies said the occupants of the vehicle threw items/projectiles at the patrol vehicle, causing some damage.
After approximately 15 minutes, the driver lost control westbound on 44th Avenue in Arlington Township. The vehicle ran off the road, struck a tree and caught fire, deputies said.
The driver ran from the scene, through a swamp, but was located and arrested, deputies said.
The passengers were also taken into custody.
The Bangor Fire Department responded to the scene and extinguished the fire.
All three occupants of the vehicle were treated for minor injuries at the hospital, then taken to the Van Buren County Jail.
The driver was identified as Walker Oliver Woods. He was arrested on preliminary charges of:
- DWLS
- Flee & Elude Police
- R&O Police Officer
- Operate Motor Vehicle with No Insurance
- Misdemeanor Warrant for FTA out of Kalamazoo County District Court, Bond $200.00
- Misdemeanor Warrant for FTA out of Allegan County District Court, Bond $875.00
- Misdemeanor Warrant for FTA out of Allegan County District Court, Bond $2703.00
The front seat passenger was identified as Ryan Glen Grady. He was arrested on preliminary charges of:
- R&O Police Officer
- Throwing Projectiles at a Motor Vehicle
- MDOP Police Property
- Misdemeanor Warrant for FTA out of Cass County District Court, Bond $800.00
- Misdemeanor Warrant for Contempt of Court out of Cass County District Court, Bond $400.00
- Misdemeanor Warrant for Contempt of Court out of Cass County District Court, Bond $300.00
- Warrant for Contempt of Court out of Cass County FOC Court, Bond $1315.00
- Warrant for Contempt of Court out of Cass County FOC Court, Bond $655.00
The rear seat passenger was identified as a 24 year old female from the Decatur area. Her name is being withheld pending arraignment. She faces preliminary charges of
- R&O Police Officer
- Throwing Projectiles at a Motor Vehicle
- MDOP Police Property