Niles man gets jail time for fleeing police

NILES — A Niles man who fled from police on a motorcycle before he crashed it was sentenced to jail Monday in Berrien County Trial Court at the Niles courthouse.

Michael James Reynolds, 61, of Niles, pleaded guilty to third degree fleeing and eluding and was sentenced to 250 days in jail with credit for 76 days served. He must also pay $198 in fines and costs.

The incident occurred May 7 in Niles when Reynolds fled from police on a motorcycle before he crashed it. Reynolds was sentenced to probation in February in Cass County Circuit Court for possession of methamphetamine.

Defense attorney Daniel French said Reynolds regretted his actions that day and has taken classes to improve himself in jail. French said his client knows that he and others could have hurt or killed if the incident had turned out differently.

“He walked away with some bumps and bruises but it could have ended up worse,” he said.

“I am regretful of my actions, they were totally out of line,” Reynolds said. “I’m taking classes to think more clearly. I wasn’t taking drugs that day but I was stupid to run that day … I think the Lord had his hands on me to knock me down.”

Reynolds concluded by saying “I’m getting too old for this, I’m tired of it.”

“I always wonder if people think they can get away when they flee police,” Berrien County Trial Court Judge Jennifer Smith said. “The first officer cut off his pursuit before you crashed. I also think of the officers and others on the road, they could have been killed or injured. You have to start thinking of others.”

Judge Smith noted that she could have sentenced Reynolds to prison since his guidelines called for a sentence of between 12 and 24 months in prison but that she decided not to. “I considered sending you to prison, this was certainly a dangerous activity,” she said. “But I think jail is appropriate given the circumstances.”

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