Fowlerville Boy Takes Police on Chase

HOWELL, Mich. (WJBK) - He was driving more than a hundred miles an hour, trying to escape a Livingston County Sheriff's deputy. The dash cam was rolling as he crossed over the double yellow lines into incoming traffic. When police finally caught the driver, he turned out to be a 14-year-old boy.

His ten-year-old brother and twelve-year-old cousin were passengers in the high speed chase that could have ended in tragedy.

It started as a Livingston County Sheriff's deputy tried a routine traffic stop near Michigan and Grand River on the evening of July 4.

The Chevrolet Tahoe took off. The deputy in pursuit had no idea the fleeing driver was a 14-year-old Fowlerville boy with younger passengers.

"He took his cousin and his brother with him. They wanted to go to the Dairy Queen and get an ice creme," said Livingston County Sheriff Robert Bezotte.

The 14-year-old blew through stop signs and his speed accelerated heading out of Howell. He crossed double yellow lines trying to duck the deputy and then went through the M-59, Michigan Avenue intersection.

The chase then became increasing harrowing and faster. "He reaches speeds in excess of a hundred miles an hour," Bezotte said.

Speeding down Castelwood Drive trying to make a right hand turn, the 14-year-old lost control and the Tahoe went airborne. The ten and twelve-year-olds were wearing their seat belts and only suffered minor injuries.
The deputy then learned more about the wild driver.

"He was shocked. He expected the occupants to get out and run. As he approached the car, he found a 14-year-old that was crying and he was injured. He took an impact to the chest," said Bezotte.

The 14-year-old driver of the SUV is certainly lucky to be alive and now faces some serious legal problems. "Reckless driving, fleeing and eluding, he's facing a number of charges that the juvenile court will probably take a hard look at," Bezotte said.