ABC57's Kevin Warmhold breaks down traffic pursuit procedures, after deadly police chase

NILES, Mich. - Video surveillance obtained by ABC57 News shows the moment a man, Joshua Ringle, accused of leading police on a chase from Niles to South Bend, takes a police officer to the ground just minutes before the pursuit. ABC57's Kevin Warmhold breaks down video and MSP's traffic pursuit and deadly force procedures.

A struggle between the two continued, then Joshua got into his car. 

The officer later draws his weapon before the suspect drives away.

The officer gets back in his vehicle and initiates a vehicle pursuit.

According to Michigan State Police, officers may only initiate or engage in pursuit for one of three factors:

• A felony has been committed.
• The pursued vehicle is on a freeway driving opposite of normal traffic flow.
• The driver of the vehicle poses an imminent threat to public safety.

There are also rules in place when the pursuit crosses state lines.

Per Michigan state police procedure:

“When a felon being pursued flees across the state line, the affected state shall be notified as soon as possible.”

Deadly force is the last resort for law enforcement and there are strict procedures in place which provide guidance to determine when it can be used.

According to Michigan State Police official procedure, deadly force is authorized to:

• Protect enforcement members or others from what is reasonably believed to be a threat of death or serious bodily harm.
• It should only be exercised when all other reasonable efforts have failed.
• Should NOT be used for misdemeanor charge.