Driver Hospitalized After High-Speed Chase, Crash On Peninsula

A 19-year-old Traverse City man was hospitalized with serious injuries after leading deputies on a chase at speeds over 100mph on Old Mission Peninsula and crashing his car.

Grand Traverse Sheriff's Office deputies were responding to a traffic stop on Peninsula Drive near Wilson Road when a northbound vehicle driving at a high rate of speed crossed the center line as it passed them. The deputies abandoned the traffic stop and began to try and catch up with the "reckless northbound vehicle," according to the Sheriff's Office.

Deputies updated dispatch that they were trying to catch the car that was continuing to drive north on Pensinsula Drive at speeds estimated in the "triple digits." Deputies had their lights and sirens activated, but could not make progress in closing the gap between their vehicle and the suspect's vehicle.

Shortly past Gray Road, deputies found the suspect's car, which had run off the road to the left, crashed into multiple trees and came to rest on a beach. Airbags did not deploy in the car, and the suspect was not wearing a seat belt. He was taken to Munson Medical Center with extensive injuries. Possible alcohol and/or drug involvement are still being investigated in the case.

Photo credit: Grand Traverse Sheriff's Office