Driver Arrested After Fleeing Police at Over 100 MPH on US-131

Kent County deputies tracked the vehicle using a police helicopter before apprehending the suspect at a home in Plainfield Township.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 11:05pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged car sensor or dashboard component, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A damaged car component from the high-speed chase serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by reckless driving and the importance of law enforcement's ability to safely apprehend suspects.Grand Rapids Today

A driver in a white Dodge Charger fled from Kent County deputies at speeds over 100 mph on US-131 in Grand Rapids. A Michigan State Police helicopter tracked the vehicle as it exited the highway and pulled into a driveway in Plainfield Township, where deputies arrested the suspect.

Why it matters

High-speed chases pose significant risks to public safety, and this incident highlights the importance of law enforcement's ability to safely apprehend suspects through the use of air support and coordination between different agencies.

The details

According to the Kent County Sheriff's Office, deputies were initially called to a private parking lot for a report of drivers doing burnouts and reckless driving. When deputies arrived, several vehicles fled, including the white Dodge Charger. Dashcam footage shows the Charger traveling at speeds 'well over 100 mph' on US-131 before the deputy stopped the chase. A Michigan State Police helicopter then located the vehicle and tracked it as it exited the highway and pulled into a driveway in Plainfield Township, where deputies arrested the suspect.

  • The incident occurred on the night of March 28.
  • The high-speed chase took place on US-131 in Grand Rapids.

The players

Kent County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the initial call and pursued the suspect vehicle.

Michigan State Police

The state police agency that provided air support by deploying a helicopter to track the fleeing vehicle.

Dodge Charger

The vehicle driven by the suspect that fled from police at speeds over 100 mph.

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What they’re saying

“We're following a white Charger just past Hall (Street) northbound 131 that fled earlier. Doing about 90 mph northbound 131.”

— Trooper in the helicopter

What’s next

The Kent County Prosecutor's office has authorized a charge of fleeing police against the suspect, and the vehicle was seized by the sheriff's office.

The takeaway

This high-speed chase incident underscores the importance of law enforcement's ability to safely apprehend suspects through the coordinated use of air support and inter-agency cooperation, especially when public safety is at risk.