63-year-old man arrested for operating moped while intoxicated and fleeing

VAN BUREN COUNTY, Mich. -- The Van Buren County Sheriff's Office reports on Thursday, June 13, around 4:46 p.m., deputies were dispatched to the intersection of C.R. 687 and 72nd Avenue in Keeler Towship for an intoxicated man riding a moped.

The report states a passerby called dispatch to report a highly intoxicated man attempting to drive a moped.

The caller told authorities it appeared the man had fallen off the moped and was trying to get back on at the time.

Deputies arrived and identified the suspect as a 63-year-old Hartford man.

At this time the man had gotten back on the moped when deputies attempted a traffic stop, according to the report.

The suspect then fled on the moped, reaching speeds up to 35 miles per hour.

Deputies say the suspect then pulled into a private drive after several miles of chase and was taken into custody.

The man was then taken to Bronson Lakeview Hospital for clearance before being taken to the Van Buren County Jail. 

The report states the man is charged with OWI and Flee and Elude.

The incident is under investigation and the report will be submitted to the Van Buren County Prosecutor's Office for review.