Willie Williams

A high-speed chase and crash that resulted in a burning car has landed a Grand Rapids man in jail.
According to Cedar Springs Police Chief Roger Parent, Officer Mike Stahl noticed a vehicle on Monday, April 25, about 11:40 p.m., that matched an earlier report that he had investigated where a vehicle left without paying for gasoline from a Cedar Springs gas station. When he followed this vehicle north on White Creek Ave to check the license plate, the vehicle ran a stop sign at Solon Street and sped away from the patrol unit.
The pursuit crisscrossed northern Kent County until the vehicle attempted a high-speed turn onto Wildwood Valley NE, a private drive that runs south off 20 Mile Road, west of Albrecht Ave. in Solon Township.  The driver lost control, went off the paved roadway and rolled over in the ditch.
The vehicle was resting on its sides, and the two occupants refused to exit the vehicle. Officer Stahl waited for additional units and then officers (CSPD Officer Mandy Stahl and Kent County Sheriff Deputy Warren Hansen) began a slow safe approach to the overturned vehicle. Officers noticed a fire had started on the undercarriage and alerted those inside.  The two suspects quickly exited the vehicle and were taken into custody.
Solon Fire and Rescue was called to the scene.  Both men declined medical care and were transported and lodged in the Kent County Correctional Facility.  The fire completely destroyed the 1998 GMC Jimmy.  This vehicle was reported stolen from the City of Grand Rapids on April 21, 2011.
The prosecutor’s office approved charges of “Fleeing and Eluding 3rd Degree for one of the two men involved.  Willie Lee-Wilson Williams, 19, of Grand Rapids was arraigned this Tuesday in 63rd District Court for the felony fleeing and eluding charge and as a habitual offender.  His bond was set at $5,000.00 cash surety.  The second subject involved was released from jail.  Investigating police agencies will continue to work this case gathering evidence to support additional charges.