Buchanan teen may be on hook for hefty restitution

Published 10:09 am Tuesday, July 21, 2015

A Buchanan teenager who resisted arrest last month may be on the hook for more than $40,000 in restitution after an officer was seriously injured during a foot chase.

According to court documents, a Buchanan Police Department officer fell and tore his Achilles tendon while chasing after 19-year-old Dustin Jason Lamont Jones on June 15 near the intersection of River Street and North Red Bud Trail in Buchanan.

Dustin Jason Lamont Jones

Dustin Jason Lamont Jones

Jones, who was on probation, was suspected of drinking alcohol — a violation of his probation terms. When he refused a breathalyzer test, police placed him in handcuffs.

Jones managed to escape and led police on a foot pursuit, leading to the officer’s injury.

Jones was found a short time later at his home, still wearing handcuffs. He was eventually tested for alcohol use and registered a .151 blood alcohol level, according to court documents.

“You set into motion these events which resulted in an officer being seriously injured,” said Judge Dennis Wiley before sentencing Jones to 120 days in jail and probation on Monday in Berrien County Trial Court.

Assistant Prosecutor Amy Byrd said her office received a letter from the Michigan Municipal League estimating worker’s compensation for the officer at more than $44,700.

Jones’ lawyer, Shannon Sible, argued that his client should not have to pay that much in restitution and questioned what caused the total to be so great.

Wiley delayed ordering restitution in order to gather more information.

Jones pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of resisting and obstructing a police officer — a felony carrying a two-year maximum sentence.

Also Monday:

• Marianne Patricia Colvin, 36, of Niles, was sentenced to 180 days in jail on one count of resisting and obstructing a police officer.

• Leah Danielle Huerta, 32, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced 75 days in jail on one count of attempted uttering and publishing. In addition to jail time, she must also perform 100 hours of community service and complete a two-year probation term.