Ottawa County, MI (WGHN) –Connor Mitchell, a 26-year-old man from Traverse City, is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say he stole a pickup truck and led deputies on a dangerous chase through parts of Ottawa County Saturday afternoon.
The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were dispatched around 4 p.m. to the 2300 block of Crockery Shores Road in Chester Township after a 2012 Ford F-250 was reported stolen from a driveway. Investigators said Mitchell did not know the 65-year-old victim from Sparta.
Deputies later located the stolen truck on Exchange Street in the Village of Spring Lake and attempted a traffic stop, but Mitchell allegedly fled, leading deputies on a pursuit through the area. Authorities said the situation escalated when the suspect intentionally rammed a civilian vehicle at the intersection of N. Fruitport Road and E. Savidge Street. Three people were inside that vehicle, including two residents from Ann Arbor and a 27-year-old Spring Lake man. A sheriff’s patrol vehicle was also involved in the crash.
Deputies resumed the pursuit eastbound on Cleveland Street into Crockery Township, where officers attempted to box in the suspect near M-231. Investigators said Mitchell rammed multiple sheriff’s vehicles before continuing east toward a bridge over Crockery Creek that is currently closed for maintenance.
The chase ended after the suspect struck another vehicle, drove into a private driveway and crashed into trees, disabling the truck. Mitchell was then taken into custody.
He was arraigned Monday on charges including unlawful driving away of an automobile, five counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, fourth-degree fleeing and eluding police, and three counts of resisting and obstructing a police officer.
Officials said his bond was set at $50,000 and he remains lodged in the Ottawa County Jail.
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