BLOOMINGDALE TWP., MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – The identity of a 33-year-old Holland area man, whose attempt to flee from the law just south of Baseline Road ended with his death, has now been disclosed.
The body of Nicholas Dustin McNutt was recovered on Thursday from Muskrat Lake, several hours after pursuing Van Buren County Sheriff’s deputies saw him yelling for help about 100 yards from shore, holding a sinking canoe. McNutt allegedly was looking into the windows of various garages and vehicles along the lake before attempting to break into those garages and vehicles. Responding deputies were able to follow his footprints, and when they spotted the suspect dressed in black and carrying a shovel, he fled on foot to a nearby yard and then jumped into the canoe.
Deputies tried to rescue McNutt, first with ropes, and then with a commandeered row boat, but he went under the water before they could reach him. The cold water, weather conditions and darkness prevented Sheriff’s divers from finding his body until the following morning.
The case still remains under investigation, and any tips to the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department are welcome.
