A former Brandon Township resident who led police on a high speed chase, crashed his vehicle, and eluded police for two hours, ultimately hiding in a tree, is facing up to five years in prison.
Terry David Manney, 34, was arraigned May 13 on one count of fleeing and eluding police, third degree, a 5-year felony, as well as one count of driving while license suspended, by 52-2 District Court Magistrate Clement Waldman.
According to police reports, at approximately 12:32 a.m., May 12, Oakland County Sheriff’s Office deputies were attempting to locate a mentally disturbed person in the Clarkston Lakes Mobile Home Park in Brandon Township. While searching for this individual, one of the deputies observed a vehicle make an erratic lefthand turn onto Redbud Lane from Fir Street. The deputy turned around to follow the vehicle, unsure if the driver was connected to the missing person.
The vehicle, which was being driven by Manney, turned right onto Oakhill Road and was traveling westbound approaching Sashabaw Road when the deputy, in a fully marked patrol car, activated his emergency lights and siren. Manney recklessly turned left on Sashabaw at the blinking red light and began traveling south at an estimated speed of at least 70 mph, never slowing, and passed a motor vehicle accident with injuries that was being handled by other OCSO deputies.
Manney lost control of his vehicle near the 8800 block of Sashabaw Road and took out three residential mailboxes before striking a tree and fleeing the scene on foot. There was extensive damage to the vehicle and it was obvious he had sustained injuries in the crash. Manney’s wallet was found on the driver’s front seat with his identification inside.
After about two hours of evading arrest, deputies found Manney, who explained that he was hiding in a tree and was afraid to turn himself in due to his criminal background. He was released from the Florida Correctional System two months ago after serving five years in prison for breaking and entering. Manney does not have a license and has warrants for his arrest. He was driving his brother’s vehicle without permission and had injuries to his left arm including numerous cuts and a puncture wound from the crash. After being medically cleared at the hospital, he was transported to the Oakland County Jail and lodged.