SPRINGFIELD, Mich. — A Marshall man is facing a list of charges after reportedly wrecking cars and leading multiple law enforcement agencies on a pursuit across three counties.
Michael J. Bilbrey is facing a list of twelve charges, including counts of Fleeing a Police Officer, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Reckless Driving, and Operating While Intoxicated.
"We commend law enforcement from several departments in Barry, Calhoun and Eaton Counties for their efforts to stop Mr. Bilbrey from his dangerous spree," said the Barry County Prosecutor's Office in a press release announcing the charges.
Bilbrey swiped a Ford F-450 from a citizen in Calhoun County and took off. Authorities say he took off across three counties, running red lights, frightening civilians, veering off roads, hitting people's cars, and ultimately causing destruction to sheriff's cruisers.
CALHOUN COUNTY
On Tuesday, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) says deputies arrived at Gardner Brothers Lawn and Landscape in Springfield before 11:30 a.m. in response to a reported stolen vehicle.
An employee told authorities a man had stolen a work truck from the landscaping company, the sheriff’s office explains.
While deputies conducted a search, we’re told the business owner later found the truck at another business with the alleged thief still inside.
Deputies say the two got into a fight and the suspect exited the vehicle, at which point he stole another truck, this time from the other business.
Before leaving the scene, he stole a parked car from a garage and crashed through the closed garage door.
Later on Tuesday, while deputies searched for the suspect, Battle Creek police heard about a crash involving a vehicle that matched the description of the stolen one.
Battle Creek police say the vehicle had hit two other cars on M-37 in Bedford Township, about five miles away from Springfield. The vehicle was heading north towards Barry County.
BARRY COUNTY
The same vehicle hit multiple cars in Barry County, authorities confirmed.
As Barry County deputies moved into the area, a deputy in Calhoun County spotted the suspect in the stolen vehicle and attempted a traffic stop.
At first, the suspect complied and stopped. Then, he drove in reverse and tried to slam the deputy's vehicle. The deputy moved out of the way, avoiding a crash, and pursued the subject as he sped away.
Barry County deputies instantly pursued him.
EATON COUNTY
Then, the man fled into Eaton County, where deputies also took measures to stop him.
According to the Eaton County Sheriff's Office, deputies deployed Stop Sticks, which flattened all four tires.
Nonetheless, deputies say he continued driving on the rims haphazardly towards Charlotte.
Finally, to prevent the driver from entering the city of Charlotte, deputies used their vehicles to stop the fleeing car.
"The Deputies and Sergeant, understanding the extreme danger the citizens in the area were in, did what they could to stop this dangerous driver before he could hurt or kill an innocent person," read a press release from the Eaton County Sheriff's Office.
One Eaton County deputy was injured.
The man was ultimately arrested, and he was taken into custody on multiple charges.
The Barry County Prosecutor confirms Bilbrey was arraigned on Wednesday, but says additional charges may be tacked on, depending on results of further investigation.
Bond was set at $100,00 cash or surety.
