BERRIEN COUNTY – Police say he fought an officer, ran off in handcuffs, then used a hacksaw to free himself. Today, 19-year-old Kelex Jackson is in the Berrien County Jail facing multiple charges including assaulting a police officer.
What started out as a routine traffic stop quickly turned into a man hunt on Niles Buchanan Road near the intersection of Philip Road. It was about 10:30 Wednesday night when Deputy Richard Edgerle pulled a man over he suspected was wanted on domestic violence charges.
That man, 19-year-old Kelex Jackson, gave the deputy a fake name then got into a fight with the officer, according to police.
"The officer and him went to the ground, he did escape with a set of handcuffs." Berrien County Undersheriff Chuck Heit said.
Police then swept the area with a K-9 but found nothing.
"[We] Learned later he got into a shed on Niles Buchanan Road, was able to get a hacksaw to cut off the handcuffs." Heit said.
From there, Jackson made it to his girlfriend's house in Edwardsburg. According to Berrien County Sheriff's Department, a confidential informant called police and told them where Jackson was hiding. Police found Jackson hiding in the home's basement on Thursday.
Deputy Edgerle was hurt during the fight. He was treated for injuries to his head and neck and then released.
"He's going to be okay and we're thankful for that." Heit said.
Edgerle is expected to return to work soon.
Jackson was wanted for domestic violence.
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