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Suspect drives through Christmas tree farm during police pursuit

Posted at 5:40 AM, Jan 05, 2015
and last updated 2015-01-05 05:40:39-05

BLOOMINGDALE TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Police in Van Buren County say a man led them on a 30-minute pursuit, after they attempted to stop him for several traffic violations.  During the chase, he apparently destroyed several Christmas trees before giving up.

This all happened right around midnight in the area of CR 388 and 36th in Bloomingdale Township.  Police attempted to pull over a 1995 Chevy Suburban driven by James Stedman, 34, but he sped away, initializing a pursuit.

During the chase, police say Stedman reached speeds near 70 miles per hour on icy roads.  At one point, he drove through a Christmas tree farm, destroying several trees.  Stedman’s Suburban sustained damage and he eventually surrendered.

The 16-mile pursuit lasted roughly 30 minutes.  Stedman now faces multiple charges, including Fleeing and Eluding, Malicious Destruction of Property, and Felony Possession of Drugs.