By Staff
NILES -- The Michigan State Police Niles Post is investigating the fatal single car crash involving Matthew Anderson of Granger, Ind., that occurred on April 1 at about 11:45 p.m. on Redfield Road near Fir Road.
Through the investigation, police have learned that Anderson had been involved in a prior property damage crash with another vehicle in Indiana.
The vehicle did not stop at the crash site and Anderson began following the other vehicle in an attempt to obtain the vehicle's license plate.
According to a news release, the second vehicle began to accelerate in an attempt to lose Anderson. Excessive speeds were reached and the two vehicles entered the State of Michigan.
Anderson reportedly lost control of his vehicle and left the roadway. He struck a tree and died of injuries he received in the crash.
The original crash was reported to the St. Joseph County Police Department by Anderson through his cell phone.
The news release states there is no indication that the other vehicle was physically involved in the crash that killed Anderson.
Upon completion of the investigation, the report will be forwarded to the Cass County Prosecutor's Office and the St. Joseph County Police Department for their review.
In other police related reports:
According to the police report, the officer smelled a strong odor of burnt marijuana. A search indicated the driver Laurie Michelle Carpenter, 30, of 1428 E. Main St. in Niles, was in possession of marijuana. She was arrested and transported to the Niles Police Department.