MSP canine helps find woman accused in hit-and-run

A state police canine unit helped find a 35-year-old northern Michigan woman accused of striking a bicyclist last week and fleeing the scene in Springdale Township.

Around 3:45p.m. Friday, Michigan State Police's Cadillac Post responded to the report of a car and bike collision on Kurick Road near Dzuibanek Road, MSP said in a news release.

When troopers arrived, they spoke with a 41-year-old woman from Traverse City who initially claimed to be the driver. She later admitted she was the passenger. The driver had a warrant for her arrest and had fled the scene.

Troopers found methamphetamine and a stun gun in the vehicle, according to the release.

A Michigan State Police canine and his handler tracked the 35-year-old Benzonia woman through approximately 5 miles of swamp and thick forest. She was arrested and lodged in the Manistee County Jail pending arraignment.

The bicyclist, a 73-year-old woman from Thompsonville, was transported to Munson Medical Center in Frankfort for non-life-threatening injuries.

Troopers also were assisted by officers from the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians.

mjohnson@detroitnews.com

@_myeshajohnson