Suspect arraigned in Branch County

The gunman who barricaded himself inside an adult novelty store in southern Michigan after leading police on a high-speed chase across state lines is facing multiple charges. 39-year-old Joseph Leiffer of Carleton was arraigned on one count of felony fleeing and eluding, two counts of kidnapping and felony firearm possession in Branch County District Court Wednesday. Leiffer robbed a pharmacy in Angola, Indiana then led police on a high-speed pursuit north, at times exceeding 100 mph, on I-69 over the Michigan state line. The chase ended at the Lion’s Den Adult Superstore off I-96 near Coldwater where Leiffer held a female employee hostage for nearly three hours before he voluntarily surrendered to police. Leiffer was wanted on a felony warrant out of Carleton for embezzlement before he is believed to have gone on a crime spree Tuesday. He’s being held on $250,0 bond.  (MRN)