Fargo could face up to 5 years in prison for chase, concealed weapon.

Fargo

Victory Twp. man arraigned following Friday chase.

#MasonCountyCrime.

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief.

LUDINGTON — Michael Thomas Fargo, 40, 694 W. Sugar Grove Road, Victory Township, could face up to five years in prison for leading police on a 21 minute chase across three townships last Friday. He was arraigned recently and charged with fleeing a police officer third degree, carrying a concealed weapon, and driving while license suspended (DWLS).

The chase began at 12:52 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18, when a deputy attempted to pull a 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe over for an equipment violation. The vehicle did not stop and led deputies on the chase with speeds exceeding 90 mph throughout Sherman, Branch and Sheridan townships before crashing into a tree on Groth Road near the Mason-Lake counties line.  Deputies recovered a large knife and several baggies of suspected marijuana. Sheriff Kim Cole said Fargo was not injured in the crash and was taken into custody following the 21 minute chase.

Fleeing a police officer third degree, which is an incident that results in a collision, is a felony punishable by up to five years imprisonment and/or a fine of not more than $1,000. Carrying a concealed weapon is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a fine of not more than $2,500. DWLS is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year imprisonment and/or a fine of not more than $1,000.

Deputies were assisted during the pursuit by Michigan Department of Natural Resources law enforcement and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.  Fountain Area Fire Department was called to the scene of the crash to extinguish a small brush fire.

Bond has been set at $7,500, 10 percent and a probable cause hearing is scheduled for August. 30.

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