Deputies from the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office were involved in a high-speed pursuit of a suspect in a domestic violence incident and for retail fraud that occurred shortly before the chase began at approximately 12:40 p.m. Tuesday, June 13.
According to a release from the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy on patrol observed an eastbound, gray, 2013 Ford F150 passing multiple vehicles by using the left-turn lane starting at University Drive in Genoa Township. When the deputy attempted to stop the vehicle for improper lane use, the driver refused to stop and accelerated rapidly in an attempt to get away.
The suspect continued eastbound on Grand River Avenue at speeds of 95 mph before leaving the roadway and striking a crosswalk sign in addition to several street signs in the area of Grand River Avenue and Latson Road. After leaving the roadway, the vehicle drove through several business parking lots before turning south on Latson Road.
The deputy ended pursuit prior to the vehicle entering westbound I-96 at Latson Road.
It was during the pursuit that it was determined that the driver, 32-year-old Stephen Francis III, is being investigated for the domestic violence and retail fraud incidents.
Francis was last seen driving a gray 2003 Ford F150 with Michigan registration EDZ7410. The vehicle should have substantial damage to its front end. If Francis or the vehicle are located, the Sheriff’s Office requests that the public NOT approach and instead dial 911.
