Utica Crime Briefs: High-Speed Chase Comes to Crashing Halt

An 18-year-old Macomb Township resident was arrested last Saturday after leading the Utica police on a high-speed chase on M-53 before coming to a crashing halt.

A Utica police officer monitoring traffic on M-53 near Hall Road said he observed a 2009 Dodge Charger traveling north at 107 miles per hour.

The officer activated his emergency lights and siren and began following the vehicle north on M-53 as it continued to change lanes and abruptly exited 23 Mile Road and pulled into the industrial park. 

According to a Utica police report, the driver pulled into a parking lot in the industrial park and turned off the lights. Once the Utica officer chasing the vehicle spotted the Charger and shined a spotlight on it, the driver turned the lights back on and pulled out of the parking lot onto Corporate Drive.

The driver hit a curb, lost control and smashed into a sign, causing the airbags to deploy.

The driver refused medical treatment at the scene and was arrested. Police said alcohol was not a factor in the crash.

The teen told police he is being treated for balance difficulties but is not currently on any medications. The driver faces fleeing and alluding charges.

Man Uses Driver’s License No. In Check Fraud

The Utica Police have requested the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office to issue a warrant for arrest on check fraud charges against a 40-year-old Shelby Township man.

Police said the man issued a fraudulent check at Utica Express Gas Station Sunday for $220. Police said they were able to locate the suspect because he wrote his real driver’s license on the check.

The suspect has a warrant out for his arrest in Lapeer.

Police were able to track the man’s current location and have requested an arrest warrant in Macomb.

For questions about this blotter, email Marina.Cracchiolo@patch.com.