A suspected shoplifter is behind bars after reportedly leading St. Clair County Sheriff’s deputies on a high-speed chase. Authorities say, 49-year-old Ontario McDowell of Harper Woods was confronted Saturday while attempting to steal from the Menards store in Port Huron Township. He took off on foot but later returned for his vehicle and was spotted by deputies – initiating the chase that eventually headed westbound on Lapeer Avenue. The pursuit was soon called off due to hazardous speeds.
McDowell eventually crashed his vehicle at the Allen Road Roundabout and once again fled on foot, before being tracked down with the help of the Port Huron Police K9 unit. He was treated at a local hospital for minor injuries and then transported to the St. Clair County Jail where he was arraigned yesterday on five felony charges relating to organized retail crime, fleeing and eluding, and resisting arrest. He is also facing a felony for drug possession and a misdemeanor for reckless driving. Bond is set at fifteen thousand dollars.
