Suspect in Redfield Street fatal crash to be charged with open murder

CASS COUNTY, Mich. - The suspect in a fatal crash during a police chase in Cass County Sunday morning is being charged with open murder for the incident, according to the Cass County Prosecutor’s Office.

His name is not being released until his arraignment Wednesday afternoon.

The man faces the following charges:

• Open murder
• Operating under the influence of a controlled substance causing death
• Two counts of fleeing police officer
• Receiving and concealing a stolen motor vehicle

He is accused of leading police on a chase from Nappanee up to Cass County in a stolen vehicle. His passenger, 49-year-old Adrian Smith, died from injuries received in the crash, according to police.

Despite allegedly running from the crash site, the suspect was arrested quickly.