A 22-year-old man from Illinois has been arrested in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula after authorities say he led police on a dangerous pursuit, allegedly attempted to strike a state trooper with a vehicle, and remained the focus of a multi-day manhunt before being found hiding inside an abandoned cabin.
Michigan State Police said the investigation began Tuesday, July 14, when deputies in Gogebic County attempted to stop a vehicle that had reportedly been stolen.
Authorities identified the driver as Daniel Allard of Woodridge, Illinois. Police said Allard refused to stop, leading deputies on a high-speed chase through the area.
The pursuit was eventually discontinued because of safety concerns. However, law enforcement continued efforts to locate the vehicle and anticipate where it might travel.
According to Michigan State Police, a trooper with the MSP Wakefield Post positioned himself along M-28 in Ontonagon County near Bergland in an attempt to deploy stop sticks, a device used to disable fleeing vehicles by damaging their tires.
After the initial pursuit had ended, the trooper went onto the roadway to retrieve the stop sticks. Investigators said that was when Allard’s vehicle unexpectedly appeared, traveling eastbound at a high rate of speed.
Police allege that Allard intentionally changed lanes and drove directly toward the trooper.
Authorities said the trooper narrowly avoided being struck by moving down a highway embankment as the vehicle continued past the area and disappeared.
Following the alleged incident, law enforcement launched an extensive search in Bergland Township. Multiple officers searched the area, but they were unable to locate Allard or the vehicle immediately.
The search continued for two days until investigators received information placing Allard in the L’Anse Township area on July 16.
Police followed up on the tips and discovered that Allard had allegedly entered an unoccupied cabin near U.S. 41 and Dog Patch Road.
Michigan State Police responded to the property and safely took Allard into custody while he was still inside the cabin.
Investigators said Allard was armed with a firearm while at the property. Authorities allege that he damaged a cabin window to gain entry and cut a garden hose in order to siphon gasoline from an off-road vehicle.
After his arrest, Allard was taken to the Baraga County Jail. He appeared in the 97th District Court on Friday, July 17, where he was formally arraigned.
He faces several charges in Baraga County, including first-degree home invasion, carrying a concealed weapon, and malicious destruction of property under $200.
A judge set Allard’s bond at $500,000 cash or surety. His next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 4.
In addition to the charges filed in Baraga County, Allard is also facing allegations connected to other parts of the investigation.
Authorities said he faces charges in Ontonagon County, including assault with intent to do great bodily harm and resisting or obstructing a police officer. He also faces fleeing and eluding charges in Gogebic County related to the original vehicle pursuit.
Michigan State Police said the arrest involved assistance from numerous law enforcement agencies across the region. Several sheriff’s offices, specialized MSP units, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources contributed to the search and investigation.
Officials said the case remains under investigation as authorities continue reviewing the events that led to the pursuit, the alleged confrontation with the trooper, and Allard’s actions before his arrest.
