What is a key factor in the definition of fleeing and eluding under MCL 750.479a?

The definition of fleeing and eluding under MCL 750.479a specifically requires that a police officer must issue a stop order that the suspect subsequently refuses to obey. This reflects the legal parameters surrounding the act of fleeing; for an individual to be charged with this offense, there must first be a clear directive from law enforcement to stop. The suspect's refusal to comply with such a directive constitutes the basis for the charge.

This requirement underscores the importance of an officer's authority and the expectation that individuals must respond to legitimate commands from law enforcement officers. Without this element, the application of the law would not properly address instances of non-compliance that warrant legal repercussions. The focus is on the interaction between the law enforcement official and the suspect rather than the specific appearance of the officer, their mode of transportation, or the location of the incident, which is what makes the inclusion of a stop order pivotal in defining the criminal behavior of fleeing and eluding.