Kidnapping, sexual assault suspect dies in car crash

A kidnapping and sexual assault ended with a suspect killing himself in a car crash in Newaygo County.

According to the Michigan State Police, troopers from the Mount Pleasant State Police Post Tuesday investigated a report of a man holding a female acquaintance of his against her will and had both physically and sexually assaulted her in Wexford County.

The suspect, Robert Lee Mongar of Cadillac, placed the woman in restraints and brought her to Mecosta County in her vehicle, police said. When Mongar stopped for gas, the victim was able to escape and flee into the gas station where employees gave her assistance.

Mongar fled from the gas station and law enforcement personnel in the area were advised to be on the lookout, police said. Shortly after, a trooper located the vehicle and attempted to make contact, however the suspect fled to Newaygo County.

The trooper followed Mongar, who drove the vehicle off the road with no indication of breaking or attempts to turn before he crashed into a stand of trees, police said.

Troopers and law enforcement personnel on the scene attempted to provide medical aid at the scene, but Mongar was declared dead by emergency medical personnel, police said.

Troopers were assisted by personnel from the Michigan State Police Newaygo Post, the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Department, the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Department, the Michigan State Police Cadillac Post and Life EMS.