By JESSICA SIEFF
Niles Daily Star

A trial date was set for August in the arrest of Michael Brown, approximately 42 years old, of Cassopolis for resisting arrest.

Inside the Fifth District Court Monday, Judge Dennis M. Wiley, who was sitting in for Judge Scott Schofield, listened to testimony from Buchanan Police Department Sgt. J.T. Adkerson regarding an incident that took place in October 2009.

Adkerson said it was on that day that he was traveling westbound on Rynearson Road in Buchanan when he observed an oncoming car, allegedly driven by Brown, traveling at a rate of speed beyond the posted speed limit of 25 miles per hour.

Adkerson said he clocked the oncoming car at 45 miles per hour. The vehicle slowed down on approach, he added, only to speed back up again.

As the car passed him, the officer said he identified the driver.

“Michael tucked his head down,” he said.

The officer turned his car around and began a pursuit, testifying that Brown allegedly turned his car sideways and the brakes locked up, leaving track marks on the pavement and giving off a scent of burned rubber and smoke.

“Then he exited the vehicle and took off running,” Adkerson said.

Brown’s defense questioned Adkerson’s recollection of that night, questioning whether or not any other vehicles were on Rynearson Road near the intersection of Clarendon in Buchanan at that time and asking him to clarify the rate of speed at the vehicle prior to and leading up to the pursuit.

Adkerson also testified he spoke with Brown over the phone after he allegedly fled the scene.

“Michael wanted to speak with me,” he said.

According to Adkerson, Brown told him he assumed he was in trouble for an outstanding warrant.

Wiley set a trial date for Aug. 17-19.