MSP: Motorcyclist killed in crash after fleeing Calhoun County traffic stop

MARSHALL TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — Troopers say a motorcyclist was killed in a crash Thursday evening after taking off from a traffic stop in Calhoun County.

It happened around 7:55 p.m. at eastbound I-94 and I-69, according to a release from the Michigan State Police.

Troopers say they were patrolling eastbound I-94 when they saw a motorcycle without a registration plate. Though troopers activated their overhead lights to initiate a traffic stop, they say the motorcyclist — identified as a 20-year-old man from Marshall — refused to pull over. Instead, he sped up and kept heading east on I-94, according to MSP.

State police say they didn’t chase the motorcyclist.

“Per MSP chase policy, enforcement members are prohibited from engaging in a vehicle pursuit for common traffic violations,” the release says.

As the motorcyclist continued on I-94, he encountered heavy traffic at the I-69 interchange, according to MSP. Investigators say when the motorcyclist tried to split lanes, he hit the front of a car, lost control, was ejected and was hit by oncoming traffic.

The motorcyclist died on scene, troopers say. His name was not released Friday.

Investigators say they’re not sure whether the man was wearing a helmet. No other injuries have been reported.

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