Fleeing Suspect Found In Leaf Pile

HASTINGS (WWJ/AP) - Authorities say a Michigan police officer found a fleeing suspect hiding in a leaf pile with help from thermal imaging device.

The Grand Rapids Press reports the officer in Hastings, about 30 miles southeast of Grand Rapids, responded Friday to an alarm at a restaurant and saw a man running from the area. The officer lost the man but soon found him in the leaf pile.

Police say the man then ran and jumped into a river. He was caught after apparently changing clothes at a motel. Police found a backpack belonging to the man with waste from methamphetamine making inside the backpack and say he likely was making meth in the motel room.

The man was held on a probation violation. He is expected to be charged with having meth lab components and possessing marijuana.

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