(COLDWATER) – A wanted felon has been apprehended after multiple pursuit attempts to evade law enforcement over several days.
Branch County Undersheriff Jason Bingaman says on May 14, Deputies from the Branch County Sheriff’s Office responded to a domestic disturbance involving a known wanted subject and his girlfriend. Upon arrival, the male subject fled from Deputies in his vehicle.
On May 15, Deputies returned to the area in an effort to locate the suspect. When they arrived, the individual again ran away. After a brief foot pursuit, the man entered Matteson Lake and swam across it, effectively evading arrest after a coordinated response with Marine Patrol.
Later that same evening, deputies attempted contact again, and the suspect fled to the water a second time. He walked over a mile through the lake along the shoreline while Deputies maintained visual contact. For safety reasons and out of concern for his well-being, Deputies disengaged from the pursuit.
Bingaman says on May 18, Deputies attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle registered to the suspect in the City of Bronson. As the vehicle came to a stop, the wanted man got out from the passenger side and ran away. After a search of the surrounding area, the man was located and apprehended in a nearby garage without further incident.
The suspect, identified as Justin Malone, had multiple outstanding felony warrants, including felony assault with a dangerous weapon and multiple failure to appear. Additional charges for Resisting and Obstructing Law Enforcement will be forwarded to the Branch County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
Malone is currently lodged at the Branch County Jail.
Bingaman says the Branch County Sheriff’s Office extends its thanks to area residents for their cooperation during this multi-day effort, as well as the Marine Patrol Division, Coldwater Police K9 unit, Bronson Police Department and Michigan State Police.
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