ST. CLAIR COUNTY (WWJ) - One man suspected of driving under the influence is behind bars after authorities said he led police in two counties on a reckless, high speed chase early Wednesday morning.
The St. Clair County Sheriff's Office said it became aware of a police pursuit in Sanilac County just after midnight on Feb. 1 after receiving a "be on the lookout" alert from neighboring authorities.
In the alert, Sanilac County law enforcement said a dark colored sedan, identified as an Impala, got away from deputies who were investigating a stalking complaint.
The suspect vehicle was last seen going southbound on M-25 near Lexington.
A short while later, officials said a St. Clair County deputy on patrol saw a black Impala speeding south down 24th Ave. in Fort. Gratiot Township. The deputy went after the vehicle in an attempt to stop it, but the driver ignored police lights and sirens and continued to the Blue Water Bridge.
"At this time, the Impala went through an empty toll lane, began to proceed toward the bridge, turned around and exited the bridge westbound back into the U.S.," deputies said of the pursuit.
Authorities grew even more concerned when the suspect began driving on the wrong side of the freeway, going westbound in the eastbound lanes until he got onto eastbound I-94 in the correct direction.
The St. Clair County Sheriff's Office said multiple units were involved in the chase at this point and police continued to pursue the vehicle on to Pine Grove Ave.
"Numerous stop sticks were deployed and the Impala was operating on one good tire and three rims" the sheriff's office added.
The vehicle chase finally ended when the suspect collided with a patrol car as he tried to drive in and out of a gas station parking lot. The driver lost control and crashed into a snowbank.
The suspect tried to run away from police, but he was quickly arrested by authorities.
But the strife did not end there.
"The male actively resisted arrest and continually threatened officers," deputies continued. "He was belligerent in the patrol car as well as while being booked at St. Clair County Jail."
The suspect is currently being held at the jail on charges of fleeing and eluding as well as driving under the influence. In addition, detectives are continuing to investigate a possible kidnapping attempt in Sanilac County and whether additional people were involved.
Authorities believe the suspect is a possible flight risk based on their records, and may try to flee the state and the county.
No other details about the case were released. Deputies said more information will be made public as it becomes known.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned to WWJ LIVE for the latest updates.