10/17/24 3:02 p.m.
Michigan State Police say that state police detectives were able to locate Joshua Wetzig’s vehicle unoccupied in Selma Township on Wednesday afternoon. The vehicle had front-end damage matching the description of the suspect vehicle, troopers said.
Thanks to an influx of tips from the community and law enforcement partners, a credible tip was received via the Cadillac Area Silent Observer, troopers said. That tip led Michigan State Police to locate Wetzig in Osceola County in the Marion area, they said.
Wetzig was taken custody and is currently lodged in the Wexford County Jail, troopers said. He is charged with flee and elude police, assault with a dangerous weapon, malicious destruction of police property, failing to stop at property damage accident, and habitual offender 4th notice.
The Cadillac Police Department would like to thank everyone who provided information and tips leading to the arrest of Joshua Wetzig, as well as the Cadillac Area Silent Observer and the Michigan State Police.
10/16/24 6:30 p.m.
CADILLAC - A manhunt is underway for a Northern Michigan man police say is dangerous, accused of ramming a police cruiser during a chase and injuring an officer.
The suspect is facing felony charges in Tuesday’s incident. Cadillac police said they were trying to stop him because a check of his plates showed his vehicle is uninsured.
They are now looking for 36-year-old Joshua Wetzig. His last known address was in Manton, but police are conducting a multi-county search.
Cadillac Director of Public Safety, Adam Ottjepka said their department is now down a police cruiser because of Wetzig’s actions.
“As the officer pulled up to the truck, the truck got unstuck from the ditch and rammed the patrol car head on. causing the extensive damage. The officer exited the vehicle, but the truck fled down the road,” said Ottjepka.
Damage to the cruiser was extensive and large parts of suspect Joshua Wetzig’s car were also left at the scene.
The officer in the cruiser was taken to the hospital and later released.
“The officer, who we believe hit his head, during the collision. So we took him to the hospital and had him checked out, but he’s okay. He’s okay at this point,” said Ottjepka.
Ottjepka said during the pursuit they also discovered the man was wanted on additional warrants for non-dangerous offenses but now he’s facing more serious charges including assault on an officer
“To have something like this happen where the individual was looking at, you know, a simple warrant and a simple traffic ticket, but turned it into multiple felonies now. This is just outrageous,” said Ottjepka.
Ottjepka said charges have been filed with the prosecutor’s office. They have a ‘be on the look out’ alert in several counties and have been in touch with the Wexford County Sheriff and Michigan State Police.
He said they are taking the incident very seriously saying if had the audacity to do this to an officer, who knows what else he’s capable of.
“We’re asking that [if] the public observes him around, to please call 911. Do not approach the subject. He should be considered dangerous,” said Ottjepka.
He said Wetzig is described as a 36-year-old white male, 5 foot 8 inches, 170 lbs., with brown hair and brown eyes.
The vehicle is a dark colored 2004 double cab chevy pickup, with the plate number EVN-6444 and should have extensive front end damage.
“I think the sooner we can get him off the street, the better for everybody,” said Ottjepka.
He said he doesn’t think it will take too long to nab their man.
“I’m sure that we will be taking in the suspect into custody very shortly. I’m confident of that. And we’ll let the court system determine, you know, the outcome,” said Ottjepka.
10/16/24 3:30 p.m.
CADILLAC - The Cadillac Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in locating the suspect in Tuesday morning’s incident in which a man rammed a patrol car during chase, injuring the officer.
Police said the suspect is Joshua Levi Wetzig, 36. He is 5-8, 170 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He was driving a 2004 Chevrolet pickup, double cab/four wheel drive, dark in color, license plate EVN6444. The truck will have heavy front-end damage, police said.
If you see Wetzig or the vehicle, immediately call 911. Please do not approach, as he should be considered dangerous, police said.
Wetzig is wanted on multiple felony charges.
Please contact SilentObserver at 800-528-8234, non-emergency Wexford Dispatch at 231-779-9211 or the Cadillac Police Department at 231-775-3491 with any tips on Wetzig’s whereabouts.