A  32-year-old man was killed in a crash when he took off on his motorcycle after police in Dowagiac tried to pull him over.

The collision happened just before 3 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 1, on M-51 and Pokagon Street in Dowagiac.

The operator of the motorcycle, Ryan Glen Grady of Dowagiac, was traveling at a high rate of speed and accelerated on a curve, then lost control and crashed into some trees, witnesses told police.

Police did not attempt to pursue him after he failed to stop.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office released the following statement regarding the collision:

Sheriff Richard J. Behnke reports that on 10/01/18 at approximately 2:53pm, his office was called out to investigate a personal injury crash involving one motorcycle near the intersection of M51 south and Pokagon St in Pokagon Township, Cass County, MI.

Preliminary investigation shows that Dowagiac Police Department attempted a traffic stop on a motorcycle in the area of North Paul and Spruce St in the City of Dowagiac. Dowagiac Police had activated their overhead lights in attempt to make a traffic stop but observed the motorcycle accelerate at a high rate of speed. The overhead lights were deactivated at this time. Dowagiac Police did not give chase or pursue the motorcycle.

Cass County dispatch received several 911 calls in regards to a motorcycle that crashed off of M51 near Pokagon St. Witnesses reported that the motorcycle was traveling at a high rate of speed and increased acceleration around the curve. The driver identified as 32-year-old, Dowagiac resident, Ryan Glen Grady lost control at the curve and crashed into several trees. Grady was pronounced deceased at the scene due to injuries from the collision.

Helmet was worn and speed is a factor in this crash. This crash remains under investigation.

Assisting agencies include Dowagiac Police Department, Pokagon Tribal Police, Michigan State Police, Dowagiac Fire Department, and Pride Care Ambulance.