Police apprehend suspect in swamp following pursuit

DOWAGIAC, Mich.—A 42-year-old man was arrested on June 10 after allegedly leading police on a pursuit into a swamp, according to the Dowagiac Police Department.

On Monday around 9:35 p.m., Dowagiac Police observed a vehicle accelerate quickly, run off of the road and continue north near the area of W. Prairie Ronde St. and Middle Crossing Rd.

An officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle but the vehicle continued to travel north on Middle Crossing Rd.

According to police, the driver lost control of the vehicle near a curve and ran off of the road and into a ditch near California Rd.  The suspect ran from the vehicle into a swamp and was then apprehended by officers after a short pursuit.

The driver told officers that he had been drinking and had smoked meth prior to driving, police said.

The driver, a 42-year-old man from Dowagiac, was found to have a suspended driver’s license and an outstanding warrant out of Berrien County. Officers located open alcohol inside of the vehicle, reports said.

Police arrested the driver and booked him into the Cass County Jail on charges including obstructing police/ fleeing and eluding, operating while intoxicated, driving while suspended, transporting an open container of alcohol as well as the outstanding warrant.

Police have not released the suspect's identity.

The suspect did not sustain any injuries during the incident.