5/29/25 Cassopolis, MI – Man Being Arrested Steals Cassopolis Marked Police Car – 6 Hour Search For The Police Car – Found With A Drone – Man Arrested

 A man who stole a police car while evading arrest was found with a drone Wednesday evening.

During a police transport, the 43-year-old man escaped custody and fled in a marked Cassopolis Police Department (CPD) 2020 Ford Explorer Wednesday around 1 p.m. before being located around 6:20 p.m. in LaGrange Township using a Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Tribal Police drone unit, according to police officials. By 7:40 p.m. CPD said they had him in custody.

Before being located police considered him “armed and dangerous” and upon locating him said “the the firearms have been recovered” though it is not clear at this time where he got the firearms, how many he had with him or what kind they were. News Channel 3 has reached out for more information.

“We understand concerns about the timing of public communication,” CPD officials said in a release. “Our first propriety was ensuring a secure response and minimizing public risk. That said, we recognize the importance of timely updates and will review our procedures accordingly.”

In their initial release, CPD provided a photo of a police car and said, “If you see this vehicle or the suspect, do not approach. Call 911 immediately.” They also provided a description of the man; 5 feet 4 inches tall, 200 pounds with blonde hair and blue eyes.

An internal review of the incident is underway that will include transport protocols, vehicle security and communications.