WALKER, Mich. -- A routine traffic stop near Millennium Park Wednesday afternoon turned into a 4-hour chase that involved multiple area law enforcement agencies and groups of helpful community members assisting in a man's arrest.
Lt. Chris McIntire, Post Commander at the Michigan State Police Rockford Post told Fox 17 Thursday morning that the whole debacle began when one of his Troopers pulled over a car for 'Careless Driving'. Before the Trooper could approach, the male driver and his passenger got out of their vehicle and reportedly began walking away. Police would later find out that the man, Justin Wakoski from Coopersville, was driving on a suspended license.
Justin Witkoski (Kent County Jail)
As the pair was attempting to casually walk away from the traffic stop, the MSP Trooper made several attempts at ordering them to get back in their car. In the course of trying to stop and talk to the driver, the man elbowed the Trooper in the face and took off into the park. Fortunately the Trooper was not badly injured, but the chase was on.
The Trooper managed to tackle the passenger of the car, but the driver quickly disappeared into a wooded area. Lt McIntire said the man appeared to be "an athlete of some sort", with the escape route he managed to take off on. At one point the man reportedly swam all the way across the Grand River.
With the driver on the lam, several agencies were called in to assist in tracking him down. MSP Rockford, Walker Police, Grandville Police, the Kent County Sheriff, and even the Kent County Road all had units on the ground helping out.
Eventually police located the driver. The arresting officer had to taser Wakoski to initially subdue him, but he was apparently unfazed. After being taken into custody, he reportedly apologized to police and actually told the Trooper who he had elbowed in the face that he was "awesome".
That Officer did not sustain any serious injuries and is at home resting today. Thursday is his usual day off and is expected to return to duty as scheduled.
Lt McIntire says community members in the area quickly became aware of the search going on, and were immensely helpful in tracking the suspect down. He emphasized his appreciation for the cooperation of community members and thanked them for their willingness to assist. There were reportedly several civilians on bikes and in cars stopping to try and lend a hand.
Wakoski was arrested and is facing several felony charges in both Kent and Ottawa County related to the incident. The passenger in his vehicle was released and is not expected to face any charges.
