In the predawn darkness, a stolen pickup truck barreled down Interstate 75, fleeing from a burgled Bay County marijuana store. Pursued by a Michigan State Police car, the truck veered across lanes as its speed topped 120 mph, causing heaps of purloined weed to rise from its bed and fly across the blacktop.
Moments later, the truck exited the interstate and drove in the oncoming lanes of Dixie Highway, eventually crashing head-on into a civilian’s vehicle. Still not stopping, the truck continued between building and through snowbanks, trying to avoid troopers.
The pursuing troopers’ car then repeatedly rammed the truck before its five occupants leapt out and ran into a field. Their escape attempt was all for naught, though, as they were quickly nabbed and subsequently charged with a combined 27 counts.
The pursuit and its dramatic conclusion were recorded by the MSP vehicle’s dashboard cameras, video of which MLive obtained via a Freedom of Information Act request.
Just before 5 a.m. on March 15, a break-in was reported at Smoke Society, 3697 E. Wilder Road in Bangor Township. The burglars had used a tool to pry open a door and gain entry, said Bay County Sheriff Troy R. Cunningham.
To view the video, click on MLive