LocalMichiganNews

Benton Harbor officer accused of hitting fleeing suspect with squad car

(Photo supplied/ABC 57)

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (AP) — An officer who authorities say ran over a man who was fleeing police in southwestern Michigan has been charged with assault.

The Berrien County prosecutor’s office says Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety officers were investigating a possible stolen lawn mower about 1:45 a.m. May 10 when they came upon a man who was riding a bike without a light.

The prosecutor’s office says the man dropped the bike and ran before Steven Johnson, who no longer works for the department, intentionally hit him with a squad car.

Defense lawyer Marc Curtis told ABC 57 Johnson didn’t mean to hit the man.

Investigators reviewed police car video and body camera footage. The 51-year-old Sturgis man was arraigned Wednesday. The man who fled pleaded guilty to charges including resisting police.

Related posts

Severe weather threat increases for Wednesday evening

Jon Zimney

Annual Battle of the Bands happening Saturday

Alyssa Foster

Vince Coglianese joins 95.3 MNC weekend lineup

Jon Zimney

Leave a Comment