Suspect who stole Cassopolis police vehicle caught after regional manhunt
The incident began around 1 p.m. Tuesday when, during an arrest, the suspect fled the scene in a 2020 Ford Explorer belonging to the Cassopolis Police Department.
A suspect who escaped custody and stole a marked police vehicle during a transport on Wednesday, May 28, was captured hours later after a multi-agency manhunt that extended across several counties in southwest Michigan.
The incident began around 1 p.m. Wednesday when, during an arrest, the suspect fled the scene in a 2020 Ford Explorer belonging to the Cassopolis Police Department. Authorities initially warned that the individual — described as a white male, approximately 43-years-old, 5-feet-4 inches tall, 200 pounds, with blonde hair and blue eyes — was considered armed and dangerous.
Law enforcement agencies throughout the region were immediately notified and began searching for both the suspect and the stolen vehicle. The suspect was ultimately apprehended around 7:20 p.m. in the 23000 block of Shurte Street in LaGrange Township.
According to a statement released Thursday morning by the Cassopolis Police Department, no injuries were reported during the incident. A drone operated by the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Tribal Police was instrumental in locating the vehicle and the suspect.
The department credited a wide array of agencies for their rapid and coordinated response, including the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Pokagon Tribal Police, Dowagiac Police Department (including K-9 Cash), Michigan State Police (Post 53 and Fugitive Team), Michigan Department of Corrections Fugitive Team, Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, and the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Office.
In today’s statement Cassopolis Police acknowledged public concerns about the delay in releasing information. “Our first priority was ensuring a secure response and minimizing public risk,” the department said. “That said, we recognize the importance of timely updates and will review our procedures accordingly.”
An internal review of the incident is underway, focusing on transport protocols, vehicle security, and communication procedures.
Watershed Voice attempted to contact both the Cassopolis Village Police Department and the Cass County Sheriff’s Office for additional comment but did not receive a response before publication.
Najifa Farhat is a staff reporter for Watershed Voice.
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