LANSING – State Representative Sheldon Neeley (D-Flint) was saddened and dismayed to hear about a police chase today through a Detroit neighborhood that resulted in the death of two children. Makiah Jackson, 3, and Michaelangelo Jackson, 6, died, and three other children were injured and remain in critical condition, when a car being chased by Detroit Police Department officers jumped a curb in a residential area. He continues to stand by House Bill 4233, which he introduced after a chase through Flint by Michigan State Police resulted in the death of a woman.
“It’s impossible to find the words to speak about such a tragic accident, when young, innocent victims are placed in harm’s way like the incidents in Flint earlier this year, and Detroit today,” Neeley said. “We all understand that the police are charged to protect and serve, but there must be policies in place to make sure bystanders in crowded city streets and in peaceful neighborhoods do not suddenly pay a terrible price for unsafe police chases.”
HB 4233 would create the State Police Motor Vehicle Pursuit Policy Act, to regulate how the Michigan State Police could conduct high-speed chases within the boundaries of a community. Both Rep. Neeley and state Senator Jim Ananich (D-Flint) have had key roles in guiding discussions with the MSP, along with high-level officials from Gov. Rick Snyder’s office.
“When you are involved in a high-speed chase, there are a lot of possible dangers, even on open roads. Once you get into a city, the risk is only multiplied due to heavy traffic from both other vehicles and pedestrians,” Neeley said. “That’s where the importance of my bill comes in. I stand with my community leaders when I push this needed legislation for the future safety of our communities.”