ST. CLAIR COUNTY, Mich. — A man was arrested after attempting retail fraud and leading police on a pursuit in St. Clair County, Michigan.
Ontario McDowell, 49, from Harper Woods, was apprehended and treated for injuries at a local hospital before being taken to the St. Clair County Intervention and Detention Center, the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office reported.
The incident began at the Menards store in Port Huron Township when officers were called about a man attempting to steal merchandise and fleeing the scene. While deputies were conducting their investigation at the store, the suspect was seen returning to the parking lot and getting into a red Dodge Ram pickup.
When deputies attempted to stop the truck, the driver fled, sparking a pursuit toward Lapeer Road. However, due to excessive speeds, officers terminated the chase east of Allen Road. The suspect failed to navigate the curve at the Allen Road roundabout and crashed into a wooded area. He then ran off on foot into the woods.
The Sheriff’s Office called in the Port Huron Police Department K-9 unit, which successfully tracked down McDowell in the woods. After his arrest, he was found to be in possession of a controlled substance.
McDowell was arraigned on Monday morning, facing charges including fleeing and eluding, resisting and obstructing, possession of analogues, organized retail fraud, and reckless driving.
