MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – A man has been arrested for hitting a person with his vehicle, driving while intoxicated, and fleeing police.
At approximately 11:18 a.m., a Marquette County Sheriff’s deputy was dispatched to Super One Foods in Marquette, where an employee had been struck by a vehicle in the parking lot. The vehicle had reportedly fled the scene, but the deputy was able to locate the vehicle.
The deputy initiated a traffic stop at Discount Tire in Marquette Township. He could smell the odor of liquor coming from the vehicle and the driver. When the driver—the only person inside the vehicle—was asked to step out, he instead drove away.
The driver headed westbound on US-41 and came into contact with the cement center at the Brickyard roundabout, causing the driver’s side tire to deflate. The vehicle continued westbound, weaving in and out of traffic while the deputy was in pursuit. The vehicle then drove onto Midway Drive and up County Road 510, continuing to fall apart.
The vehicle finally came to a stop after turning onto White Bear Drive. The driver exited the vehicle and began to run from the deputy. The deputy was able to gain control of the driver with the assistance of a good Samaritan.
The driver was evaluated by EMS at the scene, while the deputy was checked for injuries at UPHS – Marquette after the altercation. The victim at Super One also went to UPHS – Marquette for a medical evaluation.
The driver was arrested for operating a vehicle while intoxicated, fleeing and eluding, and two counts of resisting and obstructing. Charges are also being sought for leaving the scene of an injury crash.
In addition to the good Samaritan, Marquette County Sheriff’s deputies were assisted by the Michigan State Police, UPHS EMS, and Anttila’s Towing.