Michigan State Police Photo

NEGAUNEE — The Michigan State Police (MSP) Negaunee Post is asking for the public’s help in identifying the driver of a black racing-style four-wheeler ATV who fled from a traffic stop attempt last Friday after recklessly endangering other motorists in Ishpeming. According to an MSP press release, the suspect fled after a traffic stop was attempted by a trooper, and the suspect remains at large.

While traveling westbound on Greenwood Street near Willow Street at approximately 5:40 PM on May 9, a trooper observed an ATV traveling eastbound at a high rate of speed. The vehicle was observed passing a black Dodge Ram pickup truck, which had been traveling eastbound ahead of the ATV. The ATV passed the truck on the right shoulder at a high rate of speed within a few feet of the truck, causing dirt and rocks to be kicked up.

Due to the reckless operation of the ATV, the trooper activated his patrol vehicle’s emergency lights and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The driver was described as a white male wearing a black shirt, a blue motocross-style helmet, and no goggles. The trooper observed the driver look back at the fully marked patrol vehicle, then accelerate, and flee from the trooper.

Recognizing that the driver was intentionally fleeing, the trooper deactivated the patrol car’s emergency lights and did not pursue the ATV.

A short time later, the trooper saw a male matching the suspect’s description walking along the trail near N. Washington Street. When the male subject noticed the patrol vehicle from a distance, he fled on foot into a wooded area, where he appeared to have hidden the ATV. The suspect then restarted the ATV and fled the scene again.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding the identity of the suspect or the whereabouts of the ATV is asked to contact the MSP Negaunee Post at 906-475-9922.