CASS COUNTY, Mich. (WNDU) – An Elkhart man is being charged with open murder and several other counts after officials say he crashed a stolen car in Cass County over the weekend, killing his passenger.

The crash happened early Sunday morning in Cass County. Sheriff’s deputies were notified around midnight that the Nappanee Police Department was chasing a stolen car from Elkhart County into Michigan before terminating their pursuit when they lost sight of it.

Prosecutors say the Elkhart man, who has yet to be identified, ultimately crashed the car into a tree in the area of M-205 and Redfield Street. A passenger inside the car, identified as 49-year-old Adrian Smith of Elkhart, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police say the driver ran away from the car but was located near the scene of the crash and was arrested.

The man is now facing the following charges:

• Count 1: Open murder (Penalty of life or a term of years)
• Count 2: Operating under the influence of a controlled substance causing death (15-year penalty)
• Count 3: Fleeing police officer, First degree (15-year penalty)
• Count 4: Receiving and concealing a stolen motor vehicle (5-year penalty)
• Count 5: Fleeing police officer, Fourth degree (2-year penalty)

He is expected to be arraigned on Wednesday afternoon.

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