Man flees traffic stop, hits building

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) - A 30-year-old man is facing numerous charges after he fled a traffic stop and crashed his minivan into a building.

A Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officer conducted the stop at 9:11 p.m. Tuesday after the driver committed a traffic violation on Portage Road near E. Crosstown Parkway.

As the officer approached the van, the suspect pretended to look for his driver's license and abruptly sped away at a high rate of speed southbound, according to a news release.

The driver lost control of his vehicle while trying to make a left turn onto Washington Street and crashed into the front of a business, police said. The vehicle and building sustained extensive damage in the crash.

More officers arrived at the scene and saw the suspect get out of the van and run away. Officers chased after and apprehended the suspect who was then taken to Bronson Methodist Hospital for treatment to minor crash injuries.

The suspect was then taken to jail on charges of fleeing and eluding, resisting and obstructing arrest, driving on a suspended license and two outstanding misdemeanor warrants.