(HOWARD TOWNSHIP) – Cass County authorities say they have apprehended a suspect wanted in connection with a hit and run incident.
Sheriff Richard Behnke says just after 8 PM Thursday, 50 year year old Jeffrey Vankirk of Niles was driving north on Barron Lake Road near Cook Street, accompanied by 52 year old Linda True.
Investigators say the suspect spotted the Vankirk vehicle and tried to ram it. The suspect then sped up along side the Vankirk vehicle, side swiping it and then leaving the area.
While responding to the scene, deputies spotted the suspect vehicle and tried to pull it over. The suspect drove away from the officers, and was able to ditch their vehicle on a side street and run away. K-9 Officer Faust was called in and tracked the suspect and found them hiding in a child's tree fort a half a mile away.
Neither Vankirk or his passenger were injured in the incident, and both were wearing their safety belts. Deputies say alcohol was a factor in the crash.
The suspect is behind held in the Cass County Jail, pending their arraignment in District Court.
Assisting deputies were the Pokagon Tribal Police.
The case is still under investigation. If anyone has information, they can call the Cass County Sheriff's Department at 269-445-8644.
(04-20-2024) Kelly Ward Announces Candidacy For Probate Court Judge
(04-19-2024) Glen Oaks President Finalists Holding Public Forums
(04-19-2024) March Unemployment In Indiana Unchanged
(04-19-2024) Suspect In Home Invasion/Assault Arraigned
(04-18-2024) Former Branch County Priests Not Allowed To Work With Children
(04-18-2024) Site Plan Approved For New Sturgis Marijuana Retailer
(04-18-2024) Michigan’s March Unemployment Unchanged From February
(04-17-2024) LaGrange Foundation Awards LIFE Grants To Youth Programs
(04-17-2024) South Bend Man Guilty For Cassopolis Bank Robbery
(04-17-2024) Arrest Made Following Car Theft And Chase
(04-17-2024) Sturgis BOE Approves Millage Ballot Language
(04-16-2024) LaGrange Man Arrested For Breaking Telephone Pole
(04-16-2024) Coldwater Man Arrested In Connection With Steuben County Crash
(04-16-2024) Sturgis Man Being Held On Rape Charge
(04-15-2024) Bronson City Council To Discuss Recreational Marijuana Again
(04-15-2024) Sheriff’s Department Investigates Weekend Shooting Incident
(04-12-2024) LaGrange Co. Community Foundation Receives Matching Grant
(04-12-2024) LaGrange Man Arrested On Multiple Charges
(04-12-2024) Two People Injured In Three Vehicle Crash
(04-11-2024) Karen McGraw Announces Run For Branch County Commission