PORTAGE, Mich. — Dash camera video reveals exactly what happened moments before Crystal Norton’s tragic death on January 9. The video shows police driving at high speeds, with sirens blaring, trying to pull over 17-year-old David Mills.
“David Mills refuses to stop for a city officer,” said Nick Armold, senior deputy chief with the Portage Police Department, detailing what’s in the video. “You’ll see our officer begin to pull behind Mr. Mills. He decides he is going to cut through a private parking lot and take off before our officer has even attempted to stop him.”
Portage police say Mills led them on a chase at speeds of 80 mph, which started in Kalamazoo and ended in Portage. Crystal Norton, 33 of Paw Paw, was pulling out of driveway and onto Oakland Drive when she was hit.
“I believe our officers did everything within their power to try to stop his reckless behavior,” said Armold. “It was David Mills who made the decisions to do all of those things and we did our best to try to stop him.”
Charles Norton, Crystal’s brother, said he’s seen the video.
“It’s a terrible situation and it's a loss,” said Norton. “I want justice for Crystal. I want justice for my family. I would like this teenager to be held accountable for his actions."
Norton said it's been difficult for the family since everything happened.
“We’re all upset and frustrated but she [Crystal] would not want any hatred or anger or grudges held against David or his family,” said Norton. “Both families are grieving right now.”
