Motorcyclist dies in Calhoun County crash after evading a traffic stop

A motorcyclist was killed in a fatal crash in Calhoun County on Thursday.

On October 3, at approximately 7:54 p.m., Michigan State Police troopers were patrolling I-94 when they saw a motorcycle without a license plate traveling in the same direction.

Police officers initiated a traffic stop while standing next to the motorcycle, which refused to stop, officials said.

The motorcyclist accelerated and continued eastbound on I-94, but officers did not pursue the fleeing motorcycle. Under Michigan State Police policy, law enforcement officers are prohibited from pursuing vehicles for common traffic violations.

A preliminary investigation revealed that as the motorcyclist sped away, he entered heavy traffic at the I-69 interchange.

As the motorcyclist attempted to change lanes, he crashed into the front of a passenger car, lost control, was thrown from the motorcycle and crossed into oncoming traffic, according to officials.

The motorcyclist, a 20-year-old man from Marshall, was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries to other motorists were reported.

According to officials, it is currently unknown whether the motorcyclist was wearing a helmet. The accident investigation remains open.