Deputy wounds motorist after traffic stop, chase

2/7/2002

ADRIAN - A Lenawee County sheriff's deputy shot a man in the leg after a routine traffic stop and an ensuing chase.

The deputy, whose name is not being released, stopped a car about 10:55 p.m. Tuesday on Deerfield Road, east of Adrian, after the vehicle crossed the center line, the sheriff's office said.

The driver couldn't produce a drivers license and was asked to step out of the car.

According to the sheriff's office, the driver put the car in gear and fled. The deputy got in his car and followed the suspect's car into Raisin Township.

During the chase, the passenger was throwing a powdery substance out of a window. The suspect's car went off the road and rolled over, before resting on its wheels.

The driver tried to run away and was shot in the leg by the deputy. The driver and passenger were taken to an undisclosed hospital.

The driver is in good condition and the passenger was treated for minor injuries, said Sgt. Michael Crater of the Lenawee County sheriff's office. Charges are pending, Sergeant Crater said. The deputy was not hurt.