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NILES — The driver of a stolen vehicle crashed into the Niles Saylor’s Pizza Port while fleeing police Tuesday morning, according to the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office.

At approximately 4:49 a.m. Tuesday, a Berrien County Sheriff’s Office deputy was on patrol in Bertrand Township, Berrien County along US-12 when he observed a vehicle driving at an excessive speed. The deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop on the dark colored SUV for the aforementioned traffic violation. The suspect vehicle then fled from the attempted traffic stop and the deputy gave chase engaging in a brief vehicular pursuit. 

The pursuit ended when the suspect vehicle lost control attempting to negotiate a curve and crashed into a commercial building in the 300 block of Lincoln Ave. in the City of Niles. The suspect was the sole occupant of the vehicle he was driving and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect was taken into custody without incident at the scene of the crash.

The suspect vehicle came to rest inside the building which then ignited a structure fire causing extensive damage to the building and the vehicle. The driver is currently being held on preliminary charges of fleeing and eluding and possession of a stolen vehicle. The identity of the driver is being withheld pending arraignment.

Involved agencies include Berrien County Sheriff’s Office Patrol, Berrien County Sheriff’s Office Niles Township Patrol, Niles Police Department, Niles Fire Department, SMCAS Ambulance, Niles Township Fire Department, Buchanan City Fire Department, Howard Township Fire Department, Berrien County Public Safety Dispatch Center, Millin Towing.

This is a developing story. Leaderpub.com will be updated when more information is available.