KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — UPDATE: Charges have been issued for a Portage fugitive who crashed into a building during a police chase in downtown Kalamazoo last week.
The 22-year-old suspect has been identified as Jeremy Thrasher of Portage. He crashed his vehicle into a building near the Park Trades Center on West Kalamazoo Avenue. Police also recovered a handgun with ammo in the vehicle.
On Monday, Michigan State Police (MSP) announced that the felony charges have been issued as follows:
- Police Officer – Fleeing – 3rd Degree
- Carry Concealed Weapon
- Felon in Possession of Firearms
- Felony Firearm
- 3 Counts of Assault w/a Dangerous Weapon
- Malicious Destruction of Fire or Police Property
- 2 Counts of Assaulting/Resisting/Obstructing Police Officer
No other information was provided in the update from MSP, but a report from MLive last week said that Thrasher was arraigned on the charges Friday.
The report also says police had been looking for Thrasher in connection to a shooting that occurred last Tuesday in Portage.
Police said Thrasher had known the victim, but that person is expected to recover from their wounds.
— Original Story —
A Portage man who was wanted on several felonies was arrested Thursday in Kalamazoo when he crashed his vehicle into a building while trying to flee from authorities.
Michigan State Police troopers tried to stop his vehicle when the 22-year-old pulled into a gas station on Sprinkle Rd. in Comstock Township just before 11:30 a.m.. After an attempt to box him in with police cruisers, he struck two unmarked cars, causing significant damage, and then fled away at a high rate of speed.
A chase began and later ended in downtown Kalamazoo when the suspect crashed his car into a building near the Park Trades Center on West Kalamazoo Ave. During a search of his vehicle, a handgun was found along with a fully loaded magazine.
He faces numerous charges and his name has not been released at this time.
