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A car chase ended in a crash that sent two people to the hospital Saturday. The Houghton County Sheriff’s Office says deputies attempted to stop a vehicle around 2:15 am for driving carelessly in the Village of South Range.
The vehicle driven by a 31-year-old South Range man began eluding the deputies by driving away at high speed through the village. The chase continued northbound onto Trail #3.
The vehicle then crashed into trees next to the trail, entrapping both the driver and a 35-year-old male passenger. Deputies were able to assist both men out of the vehicle, who were then taken to UP Health System—Portage for treatment.
After the driver was released from the hospital, he was lodged in the Houghton County Jail. The condition of the passenger was not reported.
Assisting on the scene was the Houghton Police Department, the Michigan State Police, and Adams Township First Responders.
UPDATE 4:00pm: James Francis Nixon of South Range has been identified as the driver of the car, according to the Houghton County Sheriff. Nixon was arraigned in 97th District Court Monday for Police Officer–Fleeing–Third Degree, a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than five years, or a fine of not more than $1,000, or both. He was also charged with Operating While Intoxicated/Third Offense and Driving While License Suspended/Second Offense. Nixon was released on a $500 bond.
