Driver Crashes Into Lake After 'Brake Checking' Deputies During Police Chase [VIDEO]

HIGHLAND TWP. (WWJ) - Authorities say a 55-year-old man who drove into an Oakland County lake while trying to flee police was likely under the influence of drugs.

The incident unfolded at 10:44 a.m. Wednesday when a deputy attempted to stop a 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer for dangerous and reckless driving on White Lake Road just north of Andersonville in Independence Township, according to the sheriff's office.

The suspect fled at a high rate of speed and at one point locked his brakes, causing the pursuing deputy to rear-end his vehicle. Police say later in the pursuit, the suspect locked his brakes a second time in an attempt to get the deputy to strike his vehicle again, but the deputy was able to avoid a collision.

Police decided to pull back from the suspect and the pursuit was eventually terminated at 10:48 a.m. on Highland Rd (M-59) in White Lake Township.

Moments later, at 10:51 a.m., another deputy located the suspect near the intersection of Highland Road and Duck Lake Road and the pursuit resumed.

During the chase, police say the suspect locked his brakes for yet a third time, causing another deputy to rear-end his vehicle.

The pursuit ended on Duck Lake Road, just north of Wardlow Road, when the suspect's vehicle ran off the road, striking row boats across from Mitchell's Landing, and landed in the waters of White Lake.

The suspect was found unresponsive in the vehicle. He was extricated by firefighters and transported to a hospital for treatment. He was last reported in stable condition and is currently under police guard.

No deputies or civilians were injured.

Police say the driver may have been under the influence of drugs, and  a search warrant was obtained to test his blood. He was identified only as an Independence Township resident.

The crash remains under investigation.