Dep. Jason Diaz, Muskegon County Sheriff and Former Lowell Police Department

A few years ago, I experienced something that most people fortunately never have to face. I had just begun working full-time for the Lowell Police Department—a nice, quiet little town. I’d been there for only two weeks when an incident changed the course of my life.

Before joining Lowell, I worked for the Muskegon Heights Police Department. For those familiar with that area, there’s no need to explain the high crime volume officers face there. I was grateful to move to a slower-paced department and serve a city that appreciated its officers.

On the night of the incident, it was a quiet shift. A couple of my old colleagues from Muskegon Heights called Kent County Dispatch and asked them to have Officer Diaz contact them. When I called back, they were laughing and joking about how quiet my new job must be, teasing me that they wanted to make sure I got a call that night. Not long after, a part-time officer working with me asked if I minded if he went home early because he had a long drive. I laughed and said, “Go ahead—I don’t think anything is going to happen tonight.”

Roughly 30 minutes later, I noticed a vehicle heading eastbound that failed to dim its high-beam lights for oncoming traffic. I decided to initiate an investigation to further assess the situation.

The vehicle refused to stop, leading to a pursuit that exceeded 100 miles per hour through the city and eventually onto a dirt road. The chase ended when the vehicle came across a tree blocking its path. I stopped my cruiser behind it, drew my weapon, and gave commands. That’s when the driver put the car in reverse and accelerated toward me. I barely managed to jump back into my cruiser before the suspect’s vehicle smashed into it, hitting the driver’s side. I fired several shots at the vehicle when it struck my cruiser, and additional shots were fired as the vehicle continued to flee.

The chase continued until the vehicle went off the roadway and into an adjacent yard. Before leaving the roadway, the suspect nearly collided with an off-duty Grand Rapids officer heading home in an unmarked vehicle. The officer informed me that the suspect had been driving in the wrong lane, forcing him to take evasive action.

Afterward, Kent County officers arrived, and we set up a perimeter to locate the suspect. A sergeant from Kent County Sheriff’s Office asked if I had an attorney or union representation on the way. I told him I didn’t, and he offered to call Marc Curtis.

Marc arrived in approximately 30 minutes despite living about an hour away—his quick response was remarkable. Once on the scene, Marc immediately took control and advised me on what to do and what not to do. He walked me through everything, ensuring I understood,what was happening and that I wasn’t alone in the process. Marc was more than an attorney that night—he provided support, guidance, and reassurance that I truly needed. He helped me review the body cam and dash footage as I prepared my report and even walked me through the scene to ensure I could process everything clearly before putting it into writing.

Returning to the scene felt strange, but having Marc there made all the difference. In the following months and years, Marc tirelessly worked on my case. When others stopped reaching out or offering support, Marc remained a constant. He was always available to listen and provide advice, often acting as both an attorney and a trusted friend.

Watching Marc in the courtroom was incredible. He was like a pitbull with a bone, relentless in his pursuit of justice. Time and time again, he dismantled the Attorney General’s Office’s arguments. Even after the charges were dismissed in circuit court, the AG’s Office tried to appeal the case to the Michigan Court of Appeals. Yet again, Marc prevailed, successfully
defending me and proving their case had no merit. The AG’s Office had been trying to give me 17 years—a sentence that would have meant missing my children’s entire childhoods. Thanks to Marc, I was able to avoid that devastating outcome, continue serving as a police officer, and, most importantly, remain a father to my kids.

Marc Curtis is more than just an exceptional attorney. He is compassionate, understanding, and unwavering in his dedication to his clients. I would recommend him to anyone in need of help, and I will always be grateful for the amazing representation he provided. Thank you, Marc, for everything you’ve done for me and my family.