State Rep. Rylee Linting has introduced a plan that keeps communities safe and offers a strong deterrent for those who choose to flee from law enforcement.

House Bill 4690 establishes new, mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines for violations of Michigan’s fleeing and eluding laws. The bill works with current levels of fleeing and eluding offenses, with a 182-day minimum jail sentence for individuals guilty of a fourth-degree offense up to a first-degree offense with a minimum of five years.  

“When people flee from the police, they not only endanger themselves, but the general public and officers in pursuit,” said Linting, of Grosse Ile Township. “It poses a huge threat to life and property, and it is vital we give our police, prosecutors and judges the tools they need to hold people accountable for their recklessness.”

Linting noted the issue has frequently impacted communities she represents in the Michigan House. Recently, two Southgate police officers who responded to a call with a third officer were shot and wounded by a man who fled from the area before being arrested a few hours later. Wyandotte Chief of Police Archie Hamilton last year called for stricter laws for fleeing police and said his department had been involved in dozens of high-speed police pursuits. One high-speed chase lasted for nearly 20 minutes and went through five cities.

“There is immense danger when something like that happens,” Linting said. “These are communities where people raise their families and are out and about. Pedestrians are crossing streets, cyclists are out using our roadways, and unsuspecting drivers could be caught up in tragedy. There should be strong penalties for endangering the public in that type of fashion. This plan prioritizes public safety and supports our courageous law enforcement officers.”

HB 4690 was referred to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration.

PHOTO INFORMATION: State Rep. Rylee Linting introduces House Bill 4690 at the state Capitol in Lansing.