STEUBEN CO., Ind. (ADAMS) – A man from Michigan has been arrested in Steuben County after leading police from Branch County, Michigan on a chase into Steuben County, Indiana.
51-year-old James Williams of Bronson was arrested on several charges including stealing a vehicle. Williams crashed a pickup truck into a home on State Route 327, just south of US-20, and was taken into custody. He is suspected to be connected to several crimes in LaGrange County in Indiana and St. Joseph County in Michigan.
The Steuben County Sheriff’s Office released the following:
On 03/29/2025 just before 4:30 pm, the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office was notified by Branch County (MI) Central Dispatch of a vehicle pursuit heading southbound just about to cross into Steuben County on SR 327 north of Orland in rural Milgrove Township. The vehicle was being pursued by the Branch County Sheriff’s Office. Steuben County Sheriff’s deputies quickly responded to the area as the pursuit continued southbound on SR 327 at a high rate of speed.
The suspect vehicle described as a white Ford pickup truck continued being pursued by Branch County Sheriff’s deputies on SR 327. Before any Steuben County Sheriff’s deputies could join the pursuit, the vehicle crashed in front of a residence on SR 327 just south of US 20. After a brief struggle, the suspect identified as 51-year-old James Edward Williams of Bronson, MI was taken into custody.
A short time later, Steuben County Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the scene of the crash to assist Branch County. Williams was transported to Cameron ER by Sheriff’s deputies for medical clearance due to the crash after he refused any medical treatment from Steuben County EMS at the scene. A joint investigation was conducted and Steuben County Sheriff’s detectives were called to assist.
The investigation revealed that the vehicle Williams was driving was allegedly stolen from St. Joseph County, Michigan. There was also suspected Marijuana and drug paraphernalia located in Williams’ possession.
During the struggle after the pursuit ended, Williams allegedly battered one of the Branch County Sheriff’s deputies while they were attempting to take him into custody. Following an interview with Williams, Sheriff’s detectives learned that Williams allegedly crashed through the road construction barricades and nearly struck 2 roadway construction workers on SR 327 near the Indiana Toll Rd overpass.
The investigation further indicated that Williams may be connected to crimes in LaGrange County, Indiana as well as St. Joseph County, Michigan. After being medically cleared for incarceration, Williams was booked into the Steuben County Jail on the following preliminary Indiana charges.
Theft of a Motor Vehicle, a level 6 felony
Resisting Law Enforcement Using a Vehicle, level 6 felony
Battery to a Public Safety Official, level 6 felony
Criminal Recklessness, level 6 felony
Resisting Law Enforcement, class A misdemeanor
Reckless Driving, class A misdemeanor
Possession of Marijuana, class B misdemeanor
Possession of Paraphernalia, class C misdemeanor
Williams remains held without bond pending an initial court appearance. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be sought in Branch and St. Joseph Counties in Michigan and LaGrange County in Indiana. Assisting the Sheriff’s Office at the scene were the Branch County Sheriff’s Office and Steuben County EMS. Thanks to the collaborative efforts and thorough investigating by the Steuben County and Branch County Sheriff’s Offices, stolen property was recovered for the victims and a suspected criminal was taken off the streets.
Comments