Sheriff Notes April 19, 2025

Notes from the desk of Sheriff Abbott:

• Holtec (Palisades) will be doing an emergency preparedness drill on Wednesday, April 23. The sirens will go off at approximately 8:00 and 8:15 a.m. Just an FYI in case you were not aware and hear them going off.
• Uniform Response handled a Domestic Assault in Bangor Township. It was found that the suspect was on parole and assaulted his father prior to running from the scene before Deputies arrived. Deputies searched the area but as unable to locate the suspect that night. The next day, an intense search was done, and the suspect was eventually located and put into custody. The suspect now faces numerous charges.
• Uniform Response handled a Dog at Large running down M43 highway in Waverly Township. The Deputy was able to slow down traffic and catch the dog prior to it being hit or running off. The dog was returned to the family member watching it for another family member.
• Platinum Powersports in Coloma has loaned our Marine Division two jet skis through the Yamaha Law Loan Program. They will be stationed in South Haven where the primary use will be for patrol and water rescue on Lake Michigan and the channel. The South Haven Elks Club #1509 made a $500 donation and that will be used for the purchase of a PWC rescue board that attaches to the back of the jet ski to assist pulling victims out of the water. Last summer, 5 lives were saved by the marine division right off south beach. We are again this year are putting on extra patrols in the marine division throughout the summer months.
• Uniform Response handled an Animal Cruelty call in Antwerp Township. It was found through the investigation the suspect shot the neighbor's dog because he was tired of it barking. The dog survived the incident and was treated by a veterinarian. Charges are being sought for the incident.
• I was able to Honor Two Local Teens in Hartford. The kids observed some juveniles light a construction trailer on fire and flee the scene. Before the fire got out of control, they ran over with fire extinguishers and put it out. By their actions, they saved the trailer and contents. Kamryn Johnson and Rigo Moreles were sworn in as Honorary Deputies. Kamryn and Rigo are a true example of stepping up and doing the right thing in our community.
• While out on patrol, I stopped a truck pulling a horse trailer that the back gate was open going down the road in Bangor Township. I let the driver know why he was being stopped, and he advised he just picked up a pony. Panic set in with him when he was advised there was no pony in the trailer. Before we could back track his travels to locate "Rocket", the Geneva Township Deputy checked out with a pony on the side of the road. The driver/new owner followed me back to the scene to recover his pony. The pony was uninjured and appeared to have jumped out at the intersection while he was stopped.
• A Deputy on patrol Stopped a Quad in Lawton on the railroad tracks. During the investigation on the stop, it was found the quad was stolen recently and that our office handled that call. The quad was altered and painted by the suspect. The suspect was also in possession of meth, scales, baggies, pipes, and had a suspended license. The quad was turned back over to the owner/victim, and the suspect was lodged on several charges stemming from this stop.