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Suspect in death of Oakland County deputy 'claimed he was God,' officials say

Posted at 4:07 PM, Nov 24, 2017
and last updated 2017-11-24 23:14:02-05

Lapeer County officials say the death of Oakland County deputy Eric Overall was deliberate.

"There's no doubt in my mind," said Lapeer County Sheriff Scott McKenna.

Lapeer County officials say that on the night of Overall's death, Lapeer County Jail deputies observed a blue car pulling into a parking spot and approaching the intercom area. They heard the man claim he was God and was at the jail to break out one of his followers.

The man repeated that statement, saying he had claim on the prison's land. He also called 911, repeating the same claims. 

He then fled the jail parking lot, beginning a very controlled pursuit. The suspect was said to be following posted speeds and using his blinkers during the pursuit. 

The suspect pulled over on M-69 westbound, locking his doors and windows and taking his seatbelt off, saying he was going to commit suicide by driving into a tree. 

He then continued westbound to southbound M-15 and the pursuit entered Oakland County.

Overall, assisting with the chase, deployed stop sticks at the intersection of M-15 and Seymour Lake Road and was off of the road when he was struck by the suspect who made a 90-degree turn. 

The suspect was taken into custody and is expected to be arraigned Saturday morning.

"Ultimately, this man chose to make a deliberate act to kill a deputy, to kill a dad, to kill a husband, just at the drop of a hat. For what?" McKenna said.