Gas larceny suspect flees, crashes

PAW PAW, Mich. (WOOD) - A suspect in a gasoline larceny case led authorities on a chase before crashing into a garage, according to the Van Buren County Sheriff's Department.

Scott Sutherland, 56, from Paw Paw was arraigned Wednesday on charges of fleeing and eluding, driving while license suspended, and larceny. His bond was set at $5,000.

Authorities received a call around 12:16 p.m. Monday from the Speedway gas station, 855 S. Kalamazoo St. in Paw Paw. The caller said a man was getting fuel for his blue 1989 Buick Riviera, and that he has driven away without paying for fuel purchases within the past week.

A nearby deputy saw the Riviera as the suspect left the gas station, and attempted a traffic stop, but Sutherland refused to pull over, according to a news release. Instead, Sutherland led the deputy on a chase that reached speeds of more than 80 mph.

Sutherland drove through a car dealership parking lot, turned east onto 56th Avenue (St. Joseph Street), went south on County Road 653, east on 56th Avenue and then south on 30th Street, which turns into 58th Avenue.

Just before County Road 657, Sutherland drove off-road through the yard of a private residence, police said.

The vehicle then crashed through one of the closed doors of an unattached, two-vehicle garage, authorities said. The door and frame of the garage were damaged, but there were no people or vehicles inside.

The suspect tried to run away but was soon arrested by deputies after a struggle.

Authorities say Sutherland may have been under the influence of a controlled substance.

Michigan State Police and officers from Paw Paw, Lawton and Mattawan assisted the sheriff's department.