Dash cam: Underage drinking suspected in Jackson County chase resulting in death of 15-year-old

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office reports one teen has died after an attempted traffic stop, pursuit and two crashes early Friday morning.

According to authorities, several teenagers had been driving around the county shooting at vehicles with an orbeez gun, which is a toy that shoots small gel balls. When the driver of the jeep saw a patrol vehicle in Blackman Township near the intersection of Roberts Street and Page Avenue, the sheriff’s office said they began to speed off.

A traffic stop was attempted, but the driver sped away northbound on Roberts Street from Page Avenue. The Jeep then crashed, rolling over multiple times near the intersection of Roberts and Ganson streets. Landing on all four tires, according to the sheriff’s office.

Deputies followed the severely damaged Jeep Wrangler eastbound on E. Ganson Street and then east on Michigan Avenue, where a second crash occurred near Dettman Road.

Deputies report calling for medical assistance for three occupants of the Jeep with injuries. Blackman Township Public Safety (BTPS) officers and Jackson Community Ambulance (JCA) responded.

Deputies reports finding two additional occupants following a 911 call reporting victims from the first crash were ejected.

In total, five occupants of the Jeep Wrangler had at one point been in the vehicle and ranged in age from 15 to 17 years old.

All five Jackson County occupants were taken to Henry Ford Allegiance Health for medical treatment. A 15-year-old boy died as a result of being ejected during the first accident and succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.

A second 15-year-old boy was treated at Henry Ford Allegiance Health and taken by helicopter to Mott’s Hospital in Ann Arbor and is listed in critical condition.

The remaining three occupants are being treated at Henry Ford Allegiance Health.

According to the sheriff’s office, the 15-year-old driver has been identified and alcohol appears to have been a contributing factor in the crash. The Jeep was owned by the family of the teen who was driving.

This crash is being investigated by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the Michigan State Police Accident Reconstruction Team.