Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
In October of 2012, 29-year-old Kurt Allen Smith was arrested after repeatedly trying to run a female Kalamazoo public safety officer off the road, according to news articles at Mlive.com. Following the incident officers found what they believed to be heroin along with components for manufacturing meth. Police also suspected Smith was under the influence of drugs. Now, police have released a dash cam video which captured the incident.
It all began when Public Safety Officer Laurel Palk was patrolling in the area of S. Park Street in Kalamazoo. As she traveled northbound, another vehicle began tailgating her patrol car. Palk claimed that she could not see the vehicle’s headlights in her rearview mirror. As the incident continued, Smith’s vehicle accelerated rapidly after swerving to the left, then swerving right. Palk said she had to brake hard to avoid a collision. The suspect made several attempts to run Palk off the road when other officers arrived to help.
The dash cam video captured Smith attempting to strike Palk’s car and run her off the road. After a few minutes, Palk parks her vehicle and waits for additional officers to arrive. When they do, Smith resists arrest; officers have to pull him from his vehicle and hold him to the ground.
At the time of the incident, authorities were seeking charges against Smith which included possession of heroin, possession of meth-making components, operating while under the influence of drugs, resisting and obstructing an officer, and felonious assault with a motor vehicle.
In Michigan, heroin is a Schedule 1 illegal drug which means it is one of the most addictive and dangerous, leaving those convicted of possession facing severe criminal penalties. In fact, possession of less than 50 grams of heroin may result in fines of up to $25,000 and up to four years in jail. Considering all of the criminal charges against the defendant in this case, it is likely he will face serious consequences if convicted; he is scheduled to go on trial January 28.
If you have been arrested or charged with possession of heroin, meth, marijuana, cocaine, or any illegal narcotic drug it is important to discuss your case with a skilled Michigan drug crime attorney right away. Your freedom and legal rights must be protected; your lawyer will work to help you avoid serious criminal penalties.