The Saginaw News
MICHIGAN — A Flint man landed in the Saginaw County lockup and a Bridgeport Township police officer had an exciting first day on the job when a pursuit crossed two jurisdictions.
The chase started just before 5 p.m. Monday in Frankenmuth, where workers at the Rite-Aid, 309 N. Main, reported that two men and two women stole about $200 worth of liquor and took off in a newer gray Pontiac Grand Prix.
Frankenmuth police tried to stop the car on Junction, but the driver sped westward, police said.
The pursuit continued north at Dixie, with Bridgeport Township police -- including rookie Officer Emily Prezzato -- joining the action.
The Pontiac turned sharply into the parking lot of the Taco Bell at 6345 Dixie, where the driver jumped out and ran, police said.
Bridgeport Officer Brandon McAllister said he and a Frankenmuth officer “cut him off at the pass” on Bearcat. In the meantime, one of the man’s passengers jumped into the driver’s seat and sped off.
The Grand Prix headed south on Interstate 75, McAllister said.
“A state trooper going north in the construction zone saw them going south. But at
5 p.m., there is a lot of traffic, and it was a run-of-the-mill vehicle that blended in,” McAllister said.
Police who perched at the Birch Run exit could not spot the car, but Frankenmuth police indicated investigators likely will knock on the door of the Flint residence that matches the Grand Prix’s registration.
“The good thing is there were no crashes and no one was injured,” McAllister said.
He said the chase made a rousing introduction for Prezzato, who took part in the fray like a seasoned professional. Prezzato declined an interview.
copyright 2007 The Saginaw News