High-Speed Police Chase Ends in Crash in Livingston County
A high-speed police chase ends in crash in Livingston County, raising serious concerns about public safety, law enforcement protocols, and victim compensation. On the afternoon of June 12, a pursuit involving a 42-year-old Michigan man identified as Jeremy Nelson escalated through multiple jurisdictions before ending in a collision just outside Howell.
According to Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy, Nelson—who was reportedly wearing an ankle monitor and driving a stolen vehicle—initiated a chase after refusing to stop for Fenton police. The pursuit drew in the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department shortly after 4:30 p.m. “He kind of figured he didn’t have anything to lose,” Sheriff Murphy stated, suggesting Nelson’s motivation was to avoid returning to prison.
The sheriff acknowledged the gravity of such events. “High-speed chases are one of the biggest liabilities in law enforcement,” he explained. Each police department in Michigan sets its own criteria for when officers can engage in pursuits. While some, like Warren or Taylor police departments, maintain stricter rules, Livingston County grants officers broader discretion, especially if the suspect poses a significant public threat.
Murphy noted a troubling trend: suspects have become increasingly strategic in exploiting these differing pursuit policies. “The bad guys know where they can get away with what,” he added, implying that areas with no-chase or limited-chase policies may inadvertently attract more fleeing suspects.
Data from the University of Michigan shows that 60 people lost their lives due to police chases between 2017 and 2021. Just last month, a tragic incident in Warren claimed the life of an innocent woman after a suspect slammed into her vehicle during a pursuit.
The Human Cost: Compensation for Victims of Police Chase Crashes
High-speed chases don’t just pose risks to officers and suspects—they endanger innocent drivers, pedestrians, and bystanders. Victims of such crashes may suffer catastrophic injuries, psychological trauma, property damage, and even loss of life. These incidents often raise complex questions about liability: Was the pursuit justified? Could it have been avoided? Was the suspect known to be dangerous?
As experienced attorneys, we atMihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC, understand the devastating impact these events can have. Our legal team helps victims and their families pursue compensation for:
-
Medical expenses (immediate and long-term)
-
Lost wages or diminished earning capacity
-
Property damage
-
Wrongful death claims (if applicable)
We work closely with victims to investigate the pursuit policy in play, assess whether officers acted within departmental guidelines, and hold all responsible parties accountable—whether it’s the fleeing driver or potentially a law enforcement agency that acted negligently.
How Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC Can Help
Our firm is dedicated to securing justice for individuals affected by reckless or preventable high-speed pursuits. If you or a loved one was injured due to a police chase in Michigan, we urge you to contact us immediately. Our experienced attorneys will review your case at no cost, explain your legal options, and work to secure the compensation you deserve.
Call us for a free and confidential case evaluation. We are available by phone, text, and online chat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Note: Our law office relies on external sources for the content of this post. Although we aim for accuracy, we have not independently verified all facts related to this incident. Please notify Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC for corrections if you identify any inaccuracies. Posts will be removed upon request.
Disclaimer: The content of this post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for business. The information contained herein is not intended to offer legal or medical advice. If you or someone you care about has been injured in an accident, it is recommended to seek immediate medical assistance. The photo featured in this post was not taken at the actual scene of the accident.
