State Rep. Parker Fairbairn on Wednesday voted in support of legislation to increase penalties for fleeing and eluding police. The plan, House Bills 4690 and 4691, would add mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines for fleeing and eluding police.

“We need people to realize that law enforcement is just trying to do their jobs when they make any sort of stop,” said Fairbairn, R-Harbor Springs. “Anyone who decides to run from police, regardless of whether they’ve committed a crime, should face significant penalties. Pursuits endanger innocent bystanders, officers, and even the suspect. Increasing penalties as a deterrent to running is a proactive way we can protect the public and limit these dangerous incidents.”

Fairbairn’s support of the plan comes after a devastating accident involving a Charlevoix school bus in April. The coach and members of the Charlevoix High School varsity golf team were severely injured and hospitalized after their van was struck by an SUV driven by someone actively fleeing police. The driver of the SUV died at the scene.

“Our community is blessed that none of these young people or their coach were killed in this accident,” Fairbairn said. “This incident is a stark reminder of just how dangerous attempting such behavior can be. Fleeing police just makes the situation worse and more dangerous for everyone.”

The legislation would impose the following minimum sentencing requirements for fleeing and eluding police:

• First Degree; minimum five years, up to 15 years.
• Second Degree; minimum two years, up to 10 years.
• Third Degree; minimum one year, up to five years.
• Fourth Degree; minimum 30 days if the offender has a prior fleeing and eluding conviction, up to two years.

The plan now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

###