Police department changes pursuit policy after fatal crash
PORTAGE, Mich. (AP) — A southwestern Michigan police department has changed its policy on pursuits after a motorist was killed after her vehicle was hit by another car fleeing police.
Portage’s public safety Director Richard White tells WOOD-TV his department is no longer chasing motorists for minor offenses. Officers still will chase violent felons and drivers posing threats to the public.
White says: “I think our community just does not support us driving like crazy people to chase somebody down for ... some minor traffic violation.”
Thirty-three-year-old Crystal Norton died in January after police chased a man who ran a stop sign. Charles Norton says he’s not angry with police, but calls it “a day late and a dollar short.” He says his sister might be alive if the policy was changed earlier.
8th annual Escape To Belle Isle – The Spirit of Detroit Challenge
Walk or run in a community-based 5K and 10K race at the 8th annual “Escape to Belle Isle - Spirit of Detroit Challenge” at 8:30 a.m. on July 16 on Belle Isle, 1 Sunset Drive. The event benefits the Ronald McDonald House of Detroit and draws up to 800 participants.
The cost is $35 for adults and $25 for children who run in the Kids’ Fun Run, a 400-yard race that starts at 10 a.m. Adult registrants will receive a dry-fit tech shirt and custom medal; kids will receive a T-shirt, medal, and trophy. The top male and female in the 5K and 10K will receive a gift card prize.
It is one of the premier running events in the summer and is endorsed by the Michigan Fitness Foundation and the Governor’s Council for Physical Fitness, Health and Sports.
“Runners use it as training for the Talmer Marathon and Brooksie Way race in the fall. While it’s competitive, there are also people who like it because they can do the race with their children and bring babies in strollers or take their dog. Because it has a flat course, it is a great 5K and 10K race for runners, joggers, walkers and hand cyclists too,” said Greenman, an attorney at Kitch Attorneys & Counselors and a board member of the Ronald McDonald House of Detroit.
The Ronald McDonald House located at 4707 St. Antoine provides rooms, meals and van transportation for families that have critically ill children staying at the Children's Hospital of Michigan and other nearby health facilities. A nominal daily fee is charged for guests at the House who have use of a bedroom and common areas, including a kitchen, specially equipped rooms for teens, a play area for young kids, and a beautiful serenity garden. No family is turned away due to a lack of funds.
Register online at www.escapetobelleisle.com for the 5K/10K or Fun Run by 11 p.m. on July 14 to guarantee a tech shirt. Participants can pick up their shirt and number or register from 6:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. on race day at the Belle Isle Casino. A timing chip on the race bib keeps track of winners and times, which will be posted online after the race. There is no state park admission fee on race day for participants. Register online: Contact: Jenna Greenman, 810.333.1740 or belleislerace@kitch.com.
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