Technology, K-9s play key roles in police capturing two wanted men

May 30, 2024

SUMMIT TOWNSHIP — Technology and police dogs played key roles in law enforcement apprehending two men wanted on warrants, one of whom was on the run all night, according to Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole.

“At 11:06 p.m. Wednesday May 29, 2024, a Mason County sheriff’s deputy attempted a traffic stop on a minivan on US 10 in Pere Marquette Township,” states Sheriff Cole in a press release. “The vehicle failed to stop and fled westbound on US 10 and then southbound on Pere Marquette Highway. The suspect vehicle broke down on South Lakeshore Drive in Summit Township, and the two occupants of the vehicle fled on foot.

“Two Mason County Sheriff’s Office drone operators were returning to Mason County from training and were able to — within two minutes of the foot chase starting — launch the MCSO drone which was equipped with a FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared). One suspect was spotted with FLIR, and K-9 Diego and Deputy (Ken) Baum tracked to this suspect, who was taken into custody without further incident. The second suspect, the driver, was found shortly after 7 a.m. (Thursday) morning on Deren Road near the US 31 freeway.

“The driver — a 27-year-old New Era, Michigan man — was lodged on charges of fleeing and eluding, a Michigan State Police warrant out of Oceana County charging home invasion and a parole detainer of out Muskegon County. The passenger— a 33 year-old Muskegon County man — was arrested on multiple Muskegon County warrants and is also lodged in the Mason County Jail.”

A handgun, suspected narcotics and cash were found in the vehicle. Additional charges are likely.

MSP troopers from the Hart post, the MSP aviation unit —which responded from Flint, Oceana County sheriff’s deputies and Ludington police assisted Mason County sheriff’s deputies at the scene. K-9s from the Mason County Sheriff’s Office, the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office and Michigan State Police also responded to the call. The case remains under investigation.

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