Sheriff Notes April 4th, 2025

Notes from the desk of Sheriff Abbott:

• Uniform Response handled a Stolen Vehicle complaint in Almena Township. Deputies recovered a stolen vehicle out of Kalamazoo near the scene and the stolen vehicle from our complaint was recovered in Kalamazoo. Anyone with any information is asked to call our office.
• Uniform Response handled a Stolen Quad complaint in Decatur Township. The quad is a red, 300 Suzuki King Quad, late 80's early 90's, army star sticker on front fender, torn seat, water in one headlight, and it's a 4x4. Anyone with any information is asked to call our office.
• Our Office is Participating in Distracted Driving Campaign put on through OHSP (Office Highway Safety Planning). Deputies will be targeting distracted drivers due to using the phone, etc. Zero tolerance is given while they are on overtime for this campaign.
• Uniform Response handled a 2 Vehicle PDA (Personal Damage Accident) in Antwerp Township. Prior to arrival, one of the drivers left the scene and pulled into a private driveway down the road. Deputies were able to locate the vehicle and driver. After the investigation was complete, the driver was lodged for operating under the influence of alcohol.
• Uniform Response responded to the Village of Lawrence for an Unknown Fire by the Old Fifth Third Bank. Deputies found a Molotov Cocktail that had embers and ash coming from it in the parking lot. They were unable to locate anyone. If anyone has any information on it, they are asked to call our office.
• Uniform Response handled an Indecent Exposure at the Dollar General in Geneva Township. It was found that an unknown male paid for some food, flashed himself to the clerk, then left in an unknown direction of travel. It is also unknown if the suspect was on foot or drove there. It is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with any information is asked to call our office.
• Uniform Response handled an MDOP (Malicious Destruction of Property) in Keeler Township. Deputies were able to ID 3 juvenile suspects believed to be involved. The juveniles were throwing metal pipes through the victim's windows.
• Uniform Response and Dispatch had a busy Week Due to the Weather. They handled many trees down, powerlines down in the roadway, a barn fire which was possibly caused by a lightning strike (Assisting the Fire Departments), etc.
• The New Seat Belt Restraint Law Went into Effect This Past Week. If you have children or will have them riding in your vehicle and are not familiar with the new requirements, be sure to read the new updates.
• I would like to Thank the Community and Media for Respecting the Wishes of the Amish Family and Amish Community on Giving Them Their Privacy from the Tragic Accident.