Police Chase Ends in Flames in Brandon Township
A dramatic incident unfolded in Brandon Township on Thursday night when a Michigan State Police (MSP) sergeant reported being followed by a pickup truck. The situation escalated into a confrontation that ended with the truck catching fire and the driver being arrested.
According to state police, the incident began at 3:30 a.m. on May 8 when the MSP sergeant from the Flint Post noticed a Toyota pickup truck following him. Despite making several turns, the truck continued to follow. The sergeant requested backup, and MSP and Oakland County Sheriff officers responded, pulling over the driver on Ortonville Road (M-15) near Seymour Lake Road.
Police instructed the driver to exit the vehicle, but he refused to comply. Troopers then boxed in the truck with their vehicles. The situation escalated as the pickup driver accelerated forward, ramming an MSP Bearcat, then reversed into the sergeant’s vehicle. Authorities reported that the man shifted into ‘drive’ and held down the gas pedal until the truck caught fire.
The driver, identified as a 47-year-old man from Dearborn, exited the burning truck and was arrested without incident. Notably, he remained silent throughout the ordeal. Further investigation revealed that the man had a mental health order and may have been experiencing a mental health crisis at the time.
The Dearborn man was subsequently jailed at the Oakland County Jail. This incident highlights the complexities law enforcement faces when dealing with individuals in mental health crises.
