Man Steals Car, Causes US-31 Crash

A 33-year-old Grandville man allegedly threatened a Garfield Township resident with a knife in his driveway, stole his 2011 orange Dodge Challenger, and then drove recklessly at high rates of speed on US-31 before colliding with another vehicle - sending himself and two others to the hospital.

According to the Grand Traverse Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to the report of a stolen car at 5:47pm Thursday. Citizens then began calling dispatch reporting that the man was driving the Challenger recklessly south towards Chums Corner on US-31 at high rates of speed, weaving in and out of traffic. The man then made a u-turn and and began driving north on US-31, crossing the center line and hitting a Chevrolet Avalanche head-on. The accident caused serious injuries to the driver of the Avalanche - a 68-year-old Copemish man - and his passenger, a 60-year-old Copemish woman. Both were taken to Munson Medical Center for treatment.

The driver of the stolen car was also taken to Munson for non-life-threatening injuries. Deputies continue to investigate the crash, with the Michigan State Police providing assistance on the scene. The Sheriff's Office is asking anyone with firsthand knowledge or video of the crash to call 231-995-5012 to speak with detectives.