KALKASKA -- At about 4:30 this afternoon, the Kalkaska Sheriff's Office received a call from the Road House Saloon in Rapid River Twp. An intoxicated Jason Harwood was doing doughnuts in the parking lot in his truck. While deputies were enroute to the scene, Harwood got out of his truck, stumbled into the bar, and passed out on the floor. He awoke, got back into his truck, and left the parking lot with authorities right behind him.
Harwood drove east on Twin Lake Road and drove into a ditch. As officers approached the truck, Harwood looked over at them and took off, leading the police on a seven mile pursuit. The chase ended when he slammed into a Department of Natural Resources truck (which was assisting Sheriff Deputies) head on.
There were no injuries and minor vehicle damage, but Harwood was taken to the hospital to be evaluated.
Forty year-old Harwood has been charged with fleeing a police officer third degree (felony), operating while intoxicated third offense (felony), operating under a suspended or revoked license second offense, and habitual offender third offense notice. His bond has been set at $100,000.
