BATTLE CREEK (WKZO-AM) — We now know why a the 18-year-old driver from Illinois may have fled from police at speeds of up to 140 mph Friday before crashing into a Battle Creek hair salon.
The chase began on I-94 when a State Troopers on holiday speed patrol spotted the occupants in a white Ford Edge with Tennessee Plates not wearing seatbelts and with a vision obstruction issue.
The chase led police on and off the interstate and all over Calhoun County eventually ending when the mini-van went out of control at Main and Alden in Emmett Township and struck Ferrari’s Salon and Boutique.
Police took the three people inside into custody. There were no injuries.
The driver had a suspended license, the rented van was overdue and reported stolen.
The two passengers, a man and a woman, both from Chicago reportedly told police that they tossed stolen credit cards and other contraband during the chase.
There was evidence of marijuana in the vehicle.
Before it was over, officers from nearly half a dozen local departments had either joined the chase, or deployed stop sticks to try to end it.
The driver is being held on multiple charges. The other two were released but remain under investigation.
