CASSOPOLIS — A reckless quad runner joy ride led to prison for an Edwardsburg man.

Phillip Wilms, 24, was sentenced to two to 10 years in prison for fleeing a police officer at Cass County Circuit Court Friday. Wilms was a third habitual offender.

According to Judge Michael Dodge, the offense occurred on Sept. 20 when Wilms was driving his quad runner erratically without a valid license near Cedar and Shirley Lane in Edwardsburg, leading a citizen to call the police.

When an officer arrived, Wilms sped off on the vehicle. During the chase Wilms ran the quad runner into the police car and into a truck, causing damage to both vehicles.

Wilms committed the crime while on parole after a previous prison sentence.

Prosecutor Victor Fitz called the offense “quite disturbing.”

“He put people in danger just so things might be a little easier for himself,” Fitz said.

For his part, Wilms was remorseful.

“I understand what I’ve done is wrong,” he said. “I don’t want to go back (to prison). I want to be a productive member of society.”

Wilms tried to blame the offense on not having a job after being released from his previous prison sentence.

“I was lost,” Wilms said, choking back tears. “It’s hard to get a job when you get a felony.”

Dodge wasn’t swayed by his excuse.

“This situation has nothing to do with that,” he said.

Wilms also was ordered to pay restitution of $1,802 to pay for repairs on the victim’s truck.