West Branch man charged with kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment
A 52-year-old West Branch man who crashed into a house in Mount Pleasant on July 13 was arraigned Thursday morning on multiple charges.
James Elroy Denton was arraigned this morning on charges of kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment, criminal sexual conduct, fleeing and eluding, carrying a concealed weapon, stalking and operating a vehicle while under the influence.
Most of the charges listed are consider felonies. Count one carries a potential life sentence, while the others carry five-year to 15 year sentences. Operating a vehicle while under the influence is a misdemeanor punishable by 93 days. The stalking charge was added because there is a protective order placed on interaction between the couple in the state of Colorado.
A preliminary hearing has been set for 8:15 a.m. on Aug. 7. Denton’s bond has been set at $700,000.
Police were dispatched to the Super 8 motel, 2323 S. Mission St., on July 13 after receiving a report that a man was dragging a woman by her hair, according to a July 31 press release. A witness called 911 after seeing this. A MPPD officer saw the vehicle leaving the parking lot and initiated a traffic stop at Target, 4097 E. Bluegrass Road. Once stopped, the victim, a 50-year-old West Branch woman, ran out of the vehicle.
She was treated for injuries at a local medical facility and has been released from medical care.
Denton fled the scene in his red pickup truck eastbound on Bluegrass Road at speeds up to 75 mph. The suspect attempted to turn at the Isabella Road intersection and crashed into a car parked in the driveway of a residence at the end of the street. The impact of the crash pushed the two vehicles into the house’s garage. Alcohol was believed to be a factor in the case.
Jeff Browne, public information officer for MPPD, could not confirm reports of the truck stopping in the Red Lobster parking lot, 4062 E. Bluegrass Road, before speeding off down Bluegrass. However, Central Michigan Life can confirm Central Michigan University police were taking witness statements at the restaurant at around 11 p.m.
