DOWAGIAC — A Dowagiac man was arrested Monday evening after fleeing police, according to the Dowagiac Police Department.

Director of Public Safety Steve Grinnewald reported that at approximately 9:35 p.m., Dowagiac police observed a vehicle at the intersection of W. Prairie Ronde Street and Middle Crossing Road that was traveling north on Middle Crossing Road.  The vehicle accelerated rapidly, causing it to run off of the roadway, and continued north at a high rate of speed. 

The officer attempted to stop the vehicle by utilizing the overhead emergency lights and siren, and the vehicle fled north on Middle Crossing Road.  The driver lost control of the vehicle near a curve and ran off the road into a ditch near California Road. 

The driver ran from the vehicle into a swamp and was apprehended by officers after a short foot pursuit.

Upon speaking with the driver, he told police he had been drinking and had smoked meth prior to driving.  He was also found to have a suspended driver’s license as well as an outstanding warrant out of Berrien County.  Officers also noted that the vehicle he was driving was not properly registered and located open alcohol within the vehicle.

The driver was transported to Ascension Borgess Lee Memorial Hospital where his blood was drawn, and he was evaluated and found to have not sustained any injuries from this incident.

Dowagiac police arrested the 42-year-old man from Dowagiac for obstructing police/fleeing and eluding, operating while intoxicated, driving with a suspended license, transporting an open container of alcohol, and the outstanding warrant. 

He was lodged at the Cass County Jail on the charges. The suspects name is being withheld pending his arraignment in Cass County 4th District Court. 

All charges are pending authorization from the Cass County Prosecutor’s Office.