Lake County SHeriff’s High-Speed Chase Leads to Armed Confrontation
During this year’s Police Officer of the Year Awards Ceremony, held at the 2025 POAM Annual Convention in Grand Rapids, we proudly recognized Lake County Sheriff’s Deputy Kyle Hickmann for his exceptional bravery and quick decision-making and Deputy Jared Ingle for his extraordinary actions during a high-risk pursuit and officer-involved shooting in March 2024.
On March 14, 2024, in the early morning hours, Deputy Jared Ingle of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office exemplified the courage, quick thinking, and unwavering commitment that saves lives regardless of the circumstances.
Pursuit Ends in Crash and Foot Chase
Around 3 a.m., Manistee County authorities contacted Deputy Ingle and his partner, Deputy Kyle Hickmann. They were looking for a suspect in connection with a criminal sexual conduct case. The suspect had reportedly brandished a weapon and posed a significant threat. At that point, all they were asked to do was check for the presence of the suspect’s vehicle, a Mazda CX-30, at a known address in Irons, Michigan. Nothing more.
But situations like these evolve quickly and dangerously.
Later, while on foot patrol in the village of Irons, Deputies Ingle and Hickmann saw the suspect’s vehicle drive past them. Though they initially respected the command not to pursue, their instincts and duty to public safety kept them alert.
At approximately 5 a.m., things escalated dramatically. A BOLO was issued, and the suspect was now confirmed to be fleeing law enforcement, and he was armed and dangerous. Deputies Ingle and Hickmann responded without hesitation, moving swiftly toward the danger to intercept a suspect that other agencies had deemed too dangerous to pursue further.
Shootout & Life-Saving Response
Deputy Hickmann spotted the vehicle first. He initiated a pursuit, reaching speeds over 100 miles per hour. The chase came to a sudden halt when the suspect struck a deer and abandoned his vehicle, fleeing on foot into the woods. Deputy Hickmann followed on foot, and that’s when the situation took a harrowing turn.
A shootout ensued in the darkness of the woods. Alone, under the canopy of early morning shadows, Deputy Hickmann faced gunfire from a man who had nothing to lose. Deputy Hickmann returned fire with remarkable composure, striking the suspect and neutralizing the threat.
When Deputy Ingle arrived moments later, he didn’t know what he would find. His partner wasn’t immediately visible, and repeated calls into the dark went unanswered. Then a flash of light and a voice. Deputy Ingle sprinted toward the scene, rifle in hand, heart no doubt pounding with adrenaline and uncertainty.
What followed was a display of tactical precision and human compassion.
The suspect, wounded, was still a threat. A Glock pistol lay within reach. Deputy Ingle ordered him to show his hands, but he didn’t. He moved toward the weapon, and without hesitation, Deputy Ingle stepped in, pinned the suspect’s hand, and made sure no further harm could come to his partner or anyone else.
And then, just as swiftly, the two deputies became lifesavers.
Saving Lives
They cut away clothing. Applied tourniquets. Assessed injuries. Deputy Ingle handed off his weapon so he could access his medical kit. He applied a second tourniquet. He worked shoulder to shoulder with EMS to stabilize the suspect and help clear a path through the woods to the ambulance.
Despite the danger and emotional toll, Deputy Ingle remained composed, committed, and utterly selfless.
He stayed focused even as the suspect asked aloud why they hadn’t killed him. Even as the suspect expressed regret that he was still alive, Deputy Ingle responded with steady, life-preserving action because that’s what law enforcement does. He honored the badge and the humanity behind it.
It’s easy to imagine a different outcome that day.
A suspect with a gun, a foot pursuit into the woods, officers acting with only seconds to decide between life and death. Because of the preparedness, teamwork, and courage of Deputy Ingle, a volatile situation ended without further tragedy.
Police Officer of the Year and Distinguished Service Awards
Deputies Ingle and Hickman, your actions that morning reflect the highest standards of our profession. You placed yourself in harm’s way, prioritized the safety of others, and delivered both bravery and compassion when the moment demanded it.
We recognize you for the tactical excellence, heroism, and quiet strength you displayed throughout that harrowing morning. You reminded us all of what it means to serve with honor.
On behalf of the Police Officers Association of Michigan, we are honored to present Deputy Jared Ingle with the Distinguished Service Award and Deputy Kyle Hickmann with the Police Officer of the Year Award for your service, bravery, and unwavering commitment to the safety and integrity of our communities.