Missing 5-Day-Old Michigan Baby Found, Father Arrested After Damaging Patrol Cars

A 5-day-old baby, who went missing Saturday morning near Battle Creek, Michigan, was found unharmed. The father who drove away from police after an alleged domestic assault incident, damaging multiple patrol cars was later arrested.

According to the Michigan State Police, Jeffrey Michael Smith Jr., born Monday, May 11, 2020, was reported “missing/endangered” early Saturday (May 16) morning. The police said that the infant may have been in danger due to comments made by the 25-year-old father, Jeffrey Michael Smith Sr., about harming the child.

The infant was later found unharmed at his maternal grandmother's home in Newton Township. Smith was not present at the scene when officers arrived.

While the responding officers waited at the grandmother's home for the baby's mother, who is a victim of an alleged domestic assault, Smith pulled up to the scene but refused to talk to the officers and sped away.

According to the police, during the attempt, Smith collided with an unoccupied Michigan State Police patrol vehicle that was parked in the area, causing damage to the car.

Troopers did not initiate a pursuit to chase him, however, he was being pursued by police in the area. A State Trooper in Kalamazoo County located his car in Pavilion Township later in the day.

Smith appeared to pull over when the trooper attempted a traffic stop but he then intentionally reversed into the front of the patrol car that was parked behind.

The two vehicles became stuck together and Smith, who did not sustain any injuries during the crash was taken into custody without further incident.

He was booked into the Kalamazoo County Jail. He is facing numerous charges from Michigan State Police and the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Department including fleeing and eluding and resisting and obstructing officers.

As per the police, Smith may face additional charges in Calhoun County from both Emmett Township Police and Michigan State Police.

Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department, Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department, Emmett Township Police Department, and Battle Creek Police Department assisted the state troopers in the incident.

According to the police, a state trooper was reported to have sustained minor injuries and two MSP patrol vehicles were damaged in the incident.