Police Reports By Annette Christie Fleeing from police ends in Hartford Township car crash Van Buren County Sheriff Daniel E. Abbott reports that on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020 at approximately 8:45 a.m., Van Buren County Central Dispatch received radio transmissions from the Berrien County Dispatch Center indicating that Berrien County police units were pursuing a vehicle that was headed toward Van Buren County. The suspect vehicle, a 2019 gray Chrysler 300, was first seen traveling east bound on I-94 near the 17-mile marker, at an excessive rate of speed. Baroda-Lake Township Police Department attempted to stop the vehicle, however, it continued at a high rate of speed fleeing police. Baroda-Lake Police eventually lost sight of the vehicle. A Berrien County unit did locate it again shortly thereafter. The suspect vehicle continued to flee police in Berrien County and eventually entered into Van Buren County on County Road 362 before turning north on County Road 687. The suspect then lost control of his vehicle due to his excessive speeds and the icy road conditions. The suspect vehicle left the roadway striking a 90 ft. tall aluminum utility pole, causing significant damage to the passenger side. The passenger of the vehicle, a 22-year-old female from Detroit, was airlifted from the scene. She was listed in critical condition. The driver, 24-year-old from Detroit, was transported by ambulance to Lakeland Medical Center in St. Joseph for his injuries. After being treated at the hospital the driver was released into police custody and was subsequently lodged at the Berrien County Jail on several felony and misdemeanor charges. A hold was placed by Wayne County on the driver for his outstanding warrant there. The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office is continuing the crash investigation along with the assistance of the Michigan State Police. The assisting police agencies included Michigan State Police, Berrien County Sheriff’s Office, Baroda-Lake Township Police Department, Watervliet Police Department, Hartford Police Department, and the Pokagon Tribal Police. Other assisting emergency response agencies included Air Care, Hartford Fire Department, and Pride Care Ambulance Service.