Home Invasion and Eluding Arrest in Hagar Township
Person Making Release: Chief Deputy Sean Soulard
• Date and Time of Incident: 9-27-25 @ 0500 hours
• Type of Incident: Seeking public assistance
• Location of Incident: 5780 Erie Street, Hagar Township
• Agencies Involved: Berrien County SO, Berrien County K9 unit, Berrien County Evidence Tech team, Michigan State Police, Watervliet City Police, Coloma Twp Police, Medic 1
Narrative:
Deputies were dispatched to the area of 5870 Erie Street in Hagar Township for an active breaking and entering in progress after a neighbor reported suspicious activity. Upon arriving in the area, deputies observed a U-Haul box truck leaving a residence at a high rate of speed. Deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop; however, the driver refused to stop, leading deputies on a short pursuit.
The pursuit ended when the truck stopped momentarily, then reversed, ramming and disabling a patrol vehicle before speeding away again. The vehicle was later located after crashing into a tree near Hagar Place and Carolyn Street. One suspect fled the scene on foot, another crawled from the vehicle, and the driver remained inside and was taken into custody.
The driver was identified as 47-year-old Ira Clough of South Haven, Michigan. A check of the residence confirmed forced entry had occurred.
Sgt. Brandon Crosby and K9 Zeke, along with Deputy Jessica Frucci and K9 Rex, conducted a track in an attempt to locate the two suspects who fled on foot. Despite several hours of searching, the suspects were not located. The Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the two outstanding individuals for prosecution.
Ira Clough was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including:
• Fleeing and Eluding
• Aggravated Felonious Assault
• Burglary – Forced Entry
• Possession of Stolen Property
• Damage to Property
• Violation of Controlled Substance
• Obstructing Police
• Weapons Offense
Clough was also found to have outstanding arrest warrants from neighboring counties and was lodged at the Berrien County Jail. The charges are merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank all assisting agencies for their help in this investigation, as well as the vigilant neighbor whose report led to the arrest. We encourage the public to remain alert and take an active role in safeguarding their neighborhoods.
If you observe suspicious activity, please contact the Berrien County 911 Center at 866-630-7679 for non-emergencies, or dial 911 in the event of an emergency.
