KALAMAZOO, Mich. – A Grand Junction man will spend at least three years in prison for leading police on a chase and having a “horrendous history” of convictions.
Ronald Marlatt led police on a chase on July 15 after police served a warrant at his home for manufacturing and distributing methamphetamine. Police called off the chase and Marlatt spent almost two weeks on the run from police before his arrest.
In 2007, Marlatt was convicted of trying to run over two public safety officers. Judge Pamela Lightvoet cited Marlatt’s long history, including cases of assault while not reducing the sentence.
“You’ve got to make better choices,” said Lightvoet in the transcript of the sentencing. Marlatt’s young granddaughter had been in attendance at the sentencing, before the court made her leave, so she wouldn’t see her grandfather led off in handcuffs. “Be a much better role model for her, obviously,” continued the judge. “It’s kind of ridiculous how many times you’ve been in and out of custody…”
Marlatt could spend up to 20 years in prison.
