ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – A Delta County man will serve time in prison for drug charges and fleeing from police through a school zone.
In March of 2025, Escanaba Public Safety Officers attempted to arrest Ernest Wayne Dillabough on a felony warrant. He fled the scene, driving at a high speed near Escanaba High School just as classes were being dismissed. Officers had to stop their pursuit, arresting Dillabough later that day thanks to a citizen who spotted him.
Dillabough appeared in court for his sentencing on Monday. He read a statement to ask the court to place him in the Delta County Drug Court. He told the judge that he has been sober for 13 months, attends NA meetings and weekly church services, and has taken substance abuse and anger management courses. His attorney stated that he also participated in a 30-hour program to prepare him for life after prison.
Prosecutor Lauren Wickman asked the court to impose the recommended prison sentence, citing the danger Dillabough posed to the students leaving the school when he fled from police.
Judge John Economopoulos acknowledged Dillabough’s willingness to take responsibility for his crimes, as well as the work he has done since his arrest. However, he said that Dillabough earned a “stiff” sentence through his actions.
“The efforts that you’ve made in the meantime are not lost,” Economopoulos told Dillabough. “… I want to see you come out better than you are right now, which is better than you were when you went in here. When you’re out, I want you to give me some good news.”
Dillabough was sentenced to 2 – 10 years in prison for fleeing police in the third degree. He was also given a concurrent sentence of 4 to 20 years for habitual possession of methamphetamine.
