22-year-old airlifted to hospital following police chase in Benton Township

BENTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A 22-year-old is in serious condition after leading Michigan State Police Troopers on a chase Friday evening in Berrien County, according to a press release.

Around 8:38 p.m. on Aug. 2, MSP troopers were patrolling the city of Benton Harbor, when they noticed a 2007 BMW without a license plate traveling at a high rate of speed.

A traffic stop was attempted followed by a pursuit after the suspect allegedly tried elude MSP troopers, authorities say. The pursuit headed southbound on Colfax into Benton Township.

Authorities say during the pursuit the suspect’s vehicle lost control south of Elmside Road and struck a utility pole after crossing the center lane.

The driver of the BMW was ejected after the vehicle continued to roll.

The 22-year-old driver, a Benton Harbor resident, was transported to Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph. The driver was then airlifted to Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids due to serious injuries sustained in the crash.

The crash is currently under investigation.

It’s unknown if alcohol was a factor in the crash.

The Benton Township Police Department and Berrien County Sheriff assisted at the scene.