Crime & Safety
Branch County, MI: 5 Arrested After 30-Mile Police Chase
COLDWATER, MI — A suspected speeding violation in southern Michigan escalated into a roughly 30 mile police pursuit early Thursday, Nov. 5, ending with five people fleeing into the woods and deputies
By Erin Vale · 2026-11-06T16:00:42.712Z
COLDWATER, MI — A suspected speeding violation in southern Michigan escalated into a roughly 30 mile police pursuit early Thursday, Nov. 5, ending with five people fleeing into the woods and deputies recovering a substantial quantity of reportedly stolen marijuana.
According to the Branch County Sheriff 's Office, the incident began around 2:15 a.m. Thursday when a deputy attempted to stop a speeding vehicle on East Chicago Street near Vans Drive in Coldwater, approximately 60 miles southeast of Kalamazoo.
The driver allegedly refused to stop, prompting a pursuit that continued northbound on Interstate 69 before moving onto several secondary roads.
Pursuit Ends After Suspects Flee Into Woods Authorities said the driver allegedly disregarded multiple traffic control devices, including stop signs, while attempting to evade officers.
After approximately 30 miles, deputies received assistance from the Emmett Township Department of Public Safety, whose officers successfully deployed stop sticks.
Despite striking the devices, the vehicle continued fleeing before eventually turning onto a dead end roadway.
Investigators said the vehicle drove through a residential yard and stopped near a wooded area behind a home.
All five occupants allegedly exited the vehicle and fled on foot into nearby woods.
Five Arrested, Suspected Stolen Marijuana Recovered Following a coordinated search involving multiple law enforcement agencies, officers located and arrested all five individuals.
The suspects were transported to the Branch County Jail.
During the investigation, deputies discovered a substantial quantity of marijuana inside the vehicle that authorities said had been reported stolen.
Investigators are examining whether the individuals may be connected to additional criminal activity in other jurisdictions.
The Michigan State Police, including K 9 resources, Sturgis Public Safety Department and Battle Creek Police Department assisted.
Officials said additional criminal charges may be sought as the investigation continues.
The sheriff's office has not released the suspects' identities or specified the quantity or value of the recovered marijuana.
All five individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.