PORTAGE -- A Kalamazoo parole violator, who sped away from police with an infant on board, and then wrecked his car early Monday morning, has been ordered held on 25-thousand dollars bond.  18-year-old Rodney Bethea Jr. has been able to amass a record of petty theft and drug charges despite his young age, and was already wanted on a probation violation when he was pulled over for erratic driving. He fled at a high speed back to Kalamazoo.
The Portage officer did not pursue, fearing he might endanger the child, but radioed ahead to Public Safety who sent a car to intercept.  Police say Bethea tried to make the curve at Parkwood, to avoid the city cruiser, lost control and nearly struck a home.  They say Bethea fled on foot but was tracked down by a K-9 and arrested for fleeing and eluding.  None of the passengers in the car were injured, including the infant.

PORTAGE -- A Kalamazoo parole violator, who sped away from police with an infant on board, and then wrecked his car early Monday morning, has been ordered held on 25-thousand dollars bond.  18-year-old Rodney Bethea Jr. has been able to amass a record of petty theft and drug charges despite his young age, and was already wanted on a probation violation when he was pulled over for erratic driving. He fled at a high speed back to Kalamazoo.

The Portage officer did not pursue, fearing he might endanger the child, but radioed ahead to Public Safety who sent a car to intercept.  Police say Bethea tried to make the curve at Parkwood, to avoid the city cruiser, lost control and nearly struck a home.  They say Bethea fled on foot but was tracked down by a K-9 and arrested for fleeing and eluding.  None of the passengers in the car were injured, including the infant.