Driver leads BCSO on chase through multiple towns, tried to assault deputy after arrest

BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. -- The Berrien County Sheriff's Office says it was alerted at 5:15 a.m. on Sunday of a vehicle that sped away from Covert Township Police officers near Holland and that the driver of the vehicle was wanted for multiple charges including aggravated stalking, conditional bond violation, and fleeing from police.

BCSO deputies took over the chase when the vehicle, allegedly driven by 36-year-old Matthew Lee Mensch, from Coatesville, fled south into Berrien County.

"The driver drove recklessly through Berrien County southbound on M-63, that including speeding, disregarding traffic control devices, and driving into the lane of oncoming traffic," the BCSO said. "An officer from Coloma Township police deployed Stop Sticks and flatten one tire in an attempt to stop the fleeing driver. Despite this, the driver continued."

The chase continued south through St. Joseph, Stevensville, and Bridgman before a BCSO deputy was able to throw out another Stop Stick that flattened two more tires.

The vehicle went off the road and crashed in Chikaming Township.

Mensch was arrested and examined by medical personnel at the scene before being taken to Corewell Lakeland hospital as part of the OWI investigation and to be checked out further.

"During the transport to the hospital, the driver damaged the deputy’s patrol vehicle while attempting to assault the arresting deputy," said the BCSO.

No one but Mensch was injured at any point during the chase or arrest. 

Mensch was released from the hospital only to be lodged at the Berrien County Jail. He faces a number of charges in Berrien and Ottawa counties.