Governor signs new law, stiffer penalties for those who run from - ABC 12 – WJRT – Flint, MI

Governor signs new law, stiffer penalties for those who run from police

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FLINT (WJRT) -

(10/09/12) - It was years in the making, and Tuesday, it's official: new, stiffer punishments for people who run from police.

The governor signed the new law Tuesday, and it's something Flint officers have been hoping for.

The new law means tougher penalties for people who run from police.

Before this law, if you were involved in a high speed chase and someone got hurt, you'd get 5 years in prison.

Now with this new law, you can get up to life in prison if you hurt anyone while running from officers.

This bill is named after a fallen Flint police officer, Owen Fisher. He was killed during a pursuit in 2005.

We talked to his family Tuesday, and they say it feels good to see this finally become law.

Senator John Gleason has been fighting for this bill to pass since 2007.

The Flint officers union says they see a fair number of police chases, and this law should help keep people in line.

This law goes into effect Jan. 1.

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