Deer hunter helps troopers arrest fugitive on first day of hunting season, MI cops say

A man accused of ramming a vehicle his girlfriend was in was arrested with help from a deer hunter, Michigan authorities say.

Michigan State Police said on Friday, Nov. 15 — the first day of firearm deer hunting season in the state — a deer hunter called 911 from Emmett Township. The hunter told dispatchers he spotted a man “looking suspiciously” at his ATV.

He did not realize the man was a fugitive and authorities were looking for him, state police said.

Earlier that day, the man was involved “in a dangerous hit and run,” and is accused of repeatedly ramming into a vehicle his girlfriend was inside of, authorities said in a news release. It led to a multi-vehicle crash, with the man’s vehicle going off the roadway.

He fled into the woods, where the deer hunter spotted him, according to state police.

Authorities tracked down the 28-year-old man and he was arrested without incident, the news release states. State police said he faces multiple charges, including assault with a vehicle.

“Officers advised they are grateful to the hunter for quickly contacting 911 and helping law enforcement track down this dangerous individual,” state police said. “As deer hunting season begins, we are reminding outdoor enthusiasts to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately.”

Emmett Township is about a 70-mile drive southeast from Grand Rapids.

This story was originally published November 18, 2024 at 11:04 AM with the headline "Deer hunter helps troopers arrest fugitive on first day of hunting season, MI cops say."