VTraffic Stop Leads to Pursuit, Drug and Firearm Seizure, and Arrest on Multiple Felony Charges

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Traffic Stop Leads to Pursuit, Drug and Firearm Seizure, and Arrest on Multiple Felony Charges

HARTFORD TOWNSHIP, MI – June 9, 2026

Sheriff Daniel E. Abbott reports that on June 9, 2026, at approximately 4:09 p.m., Detectives with the Van Buren County Narcotics Unit received information regarding a male subject operating a red 2019 Buick Encore in the Hartford area who was allegedly in possession of a large quantity of methamphetamine.

Detectives, along with Van Buren County Road Patrol Deputies, located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop after observing traffic violations. The vehicle pulled into the Four Winds Casino parking lot in Hartford but failed to stop when deputies activated their emergency lights and siren.

The suspect vehicle continued through the parking lot and exited onto Red Arrow Highway, traveling eastbound toward the City of Hartford. A pursuit was initiated involving Road Patrol Deputies and Narcotics Detectives. As the vehicle entered the City of Hartford, Officers from the Pokagon Tribal Police Department attempted to deploy spike strips, causing the suspect vehicle to leave the roadway and enter a nearby parking lot. The vehicle then came to a stop, and the driver was taken into custody without further incident.

A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of nearly one ounce of methamphetamine, a stolen 9mm handgun located under the passenger seat, and an open pint of whiskey found beneath the driver’s seat.

The firearm was confirmed to have been reported stolen from Cass County on June 4, 2026.

The driver, identified as David Paul Lemay, 50, of Allegan, was arrested and lodged at the Van Buren County Jail. Lemay was also found to have an active bench warrant from Berrien County for Failure to Appear, along with two Failure to Appear warrants from Allegan County Friend of the Court.

Lemay faces the following charges:

• Fleeing and Eluding
• Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine
• Possession of a Stolen Handgun
• Carrying a Concealed Weapon
• Felon in Possession of a Firearm
• Felon in Possession of Ammunition
• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
• Open Intoxicants in a Motor Vehicle
• Fugitive Arrest

Assisting agencies included the Van Buren County Narcotics Unit, Van Buren County Road Patrol, Pokagon Tribal Police Department, and Hartford Police Department.

Sheriff Abbott would like to thank all assisting agencies for their coordinated efforts, which resulted in the safe apprehension of the suspect and the removal of illegal narcotics and a stolen firearm from the community.