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September 20, 2025
Local News

Flint resident facing charges for allegedly fleeing police in Grand Blanc Township

by Tanya0249

Written by Tanya Terry

On July 14, the Grand Blanc Township Police Department posted the following information on its social media platform regarding a police chase that occurred over the weekend:

“On Saturday, our officers engaged in a high-risk pursuit of a fleeing motorcyclist who turned out to be a wanted felon in multiple states.
“Our team apprehended the individual ending this pursuit and taking one more criminal off of the streets. Our officers are highly trained, relentless, and committed to holding criminals accountable for their actions.
“To the public, we thank you for your continued support.
“To the criminals, stop running. YOU place yourself, and others at risk.. Justice always catches up!”
Lt. Todd Gilbert of the Grand Blanc Township Police Department told the Courier that around 8: 33 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, a Grand Blanc Township police officer, Sgt. John Strom, noticed a motorcycle without a valid registration plate near Hill and Porter roads. According to Gilbert, the officer attempted to pull the driver of the motorcycle over, but the motorcyclist fled.
“He just kept going,” stated Gilbert. “He went down numerous roads and didn’t pull over until he got to a dead end and continued down a muddy trail.”
That is when the motorcyclist, later identified as 33-year-old James Higgins of Flint, crashed, about 12 minutes after the chase began. He was in the Morrish and Baldwin roads area,  in Gaines Township.
Gilbert stated that Higgins was driving the motorcycle with a passenger and definitely traveling above the speed limit.
“It also sounded like he was having vehicle problems too, motorcycle problems,” Gilbert said.
He explained the motorcycle was  “sputtering” and slowing down a little bit at times.
“Both occupants of the motorcycle complained of minor injuries…They both said they wanted to get checked out, which we thought was a good idea. It looked like he hit some bumps in the road.”

The police discovered Higgins had been previously arrested within the state for  allegedly assaulting a police officer. He also had arrest warrants out of Ohio for drug trafficking charges.

Higgins  now faces charges of third-degree fleeing and eluding police and driving on a suspended, revoked or denied license. Under state law, third-degree fleeing and eluding is a felony with a penalty of up to 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000.00 or both.

“There could be other factors if someone is a habitual offender, but fleeing and eluding third degree itself has a 5 year max penalty.”

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