Crime & Safety
Grand Traverse County, MI: SUV Hits Cars, Flees Police on M-72 Oct 27
Acme Township, MI – A 46 year old Traverse City woman faces multiple charges after deputies say she allegedly drove erratically, struck several vehicles and fled from police before crashing into a dit
By Avery Collins · 2026-10-28T17:33:58.159Z
Acme Township, MI – A 46 year old Traverse City woman faces multiple charges after deputies say she allegedly drove erratically, struck several vehicles and fled from police before crashing into a ditch along M 72 Tuesday afternoon.
According to the Grand Traverse County Sheriff 's Office, dispatchers received multiple calls around 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, reporting a black SUV traveling erratically along US 31 near Five Mile Road in Acme Township.
Witnesses reported that the driver appeared possibly intoxicated. One caller followed the SUV and reported that it struck a traffic sign, smashing the vehicle's windshield.
SUV Strikes Vehicles Near Gas Pumps Authorities say the SUV continued from US 31 onto M 72 while residents provided dispatchers with updated locations.
The vehicle eventually entered the Turtle Creek Market parking lot, where bystanders attempted to persuade the driver to stop.
Instead, investigators say the SUV struck at least two vehicles and a protective post near the gas pumps.
A responding deputy attempted to stop the vehicle using a patrol vehicle's push bumper, but the driver allegedly escaped over a curb.
Driver Crashes Into Ditch Along M 72 The SUV then crossed all lanes of M 72 before entering a ditch on the south side of the roadway, where it became disabled.
Deputies removed the driver from the vehicle and reported smelling a strong odor of intoxicants.
The woman, identified only as a 46 year old Traverse City resident, was arrested following an operating while intoxicated investigation.
Multiple Charges Filed, No Injuries Reported According to the sheriff's office, the woman was arrested on allegations involving OWI III, resisting and obstructing, fleeing and eluding, leaving the scene of a crash, suspended driving and possessing open intoxicants.
Investigators collected statements from several witnesses.
Despite the multiple collisions and dangerous driving allegations, authorities confirmed that nobody was injured .
Lt. Roy Raska thanked the residents who assisted law enforcement during the incident.
The allegations have not been proven in court, and the woman is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.