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Jun 2010
Incident #:
4516-10
Incident Type:
Car-motorcycle personal injury crash
Date & Time of Incident:
June 25, 2010 at approximately 4:35pm
Location of Incident:
Intersection of CR375 (Almena road) and 22nd street (Van Kal) in Almena
Township.
Motorcycle Operator:
Jacob Hatfield, 23 year old Paw Paw man. Injuries were to his leg and arm,
He was transported by ambulance to Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo for
treatment. Hatfield was listed in good condition as was he during the crash
wearing his required helmet.
Motorcycle information:
1999 Kawasaki ZX600
Passenger Car Operator:
Amy Riegle, 35 year old Paw Paw woman. Driver uninjured and was wearing her
seatbelt.
Vehicle information:
2004 Chevy Malibu passenger car.
Crash Factor: speed
Narrative: Sheriff Dale R.
Gribler reports that Van Buren County Sheriff deputies and additional emergency
services personnel were dispatched to the intersection of CR 375 and 22nd Street
for a car versus motorcycle personal injury crash.
Emergency responders on scene found the motorcycle
operator, Jacob Hatfield lying in the roadway with a visible leg injury which
was in need of immediate medical attention. Hatfield’s motorcycle was also
noted in the roadway heavily damaged.
Deputies spoke to the car operator, Amy Riegle, who
stated that she attempted to turn southbound onto 22nd Street, believing she had
time to do so safely, but was struck by the motorcycle as she did so.
Speaking to witness at the scene they stated that the
motorcycle operated by Hatfield had been traveling eastbound on CR 375 at a high
rate of speed just prior to the crash. Hatfield was cited for speed to
fast.
Investigating Officer:
Deputy Dan Abbott, Sergeant David Walker
Assisting Agencies:
Mattawan Police, Oshtemo Fire and Rescue.
Contact Person: On duty
Sergeant or Lieutenant Robert Kirk 269-657-3101,
email
Incident type:
Personal injury crash
Incident number:
4420-10
Date and Time:
June 22, 2010
at 1830 hrs
Location:
M43 at 29th Str, Almena Township
Vehicle #1:
2003 Chevy Impala, sliver in color
Driver #1: Robert Walter Maddron, 73 year old
South Haven man
Passenger #1: Elmer Imogene Maddron, 87 year old
South Haven woman
Vehicle #2:
1997 Ford Expedition, red in color
Driver #1: Michael Alan Haney, 49 year old
Paw Paw man
Seatbelt use:
All parties were wearing seatbelts
Narrative:
Sheriff
Dale R. Gribler reports deputies were dispatched to M-43 and 29th Street for a
reported personal injury crash.
Upon arrival, two elderly injured subjects were trapped
in their 2003 Chevy Impala. The driver of the 1997 Ford Expedition was also
noted to have suffered minor injuries and was walking around at the scene.
Through investigation, it was determined that the
silver Impala was attempting to make a left turn into a business in this area
when two uninvolved cars stop behind the impala. The red Expedition was
unable to stop and attempted to drive around the line of cars to the left. Upon
doing so, the silver Impala began its left turn and the red Expedition hit the
silver Impala in the driver’s door pinning both subjects inside. Driver, Michael
Haney, suffered only minor injuries. Driver, Robert Maddron, and
passenger, Elmer Maddron, were transported to Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo,
where the driver was admitted with non-life threatening injuries. Elmer was
treated and expected to be released.
Driver, Michael Haney, was found to be at fault for
improper passing.
Assisting Agency:
Paw Paw QR and VBEMS Paw Paw Fire Rescue
Investigating officers:
Dep Charon, Dep Davis, Sgt. Schmitt
Contact person:
On Duty Supervisor 657-3101
May 2010
Apr 2010
Incident No:
2554-10
Incident Type:
Possession of
methamphetamine & possession of marijuana.
Date & Time:
April 17,
2010 at 2:50 am.
Location:
Wolf Lake
Public Access, Almena Twp., Van Buren County, MI.
Vehicle:
Teal GMC
Sierra 2-door pick up truck.
Controlled Substance:
Methamphetamine & marijuana was found in the vehicle.
SUSPECT: 39 year old
male, name
being withheld pending arraignment.
Charges:
Possession of
methamphetamine & possession of marijuana.
Citations:
Possession of
marijuana. Information:
Sheriff Dale
R. Gribler reports that on 4-17-2010 at 2:50 a.m., deputies were conducting a
property inspection of Wolf Lake Public Access.
Deputies made contact with a
teal GMC Sierra pickup as the access was closed. Contact was made with the
driver and he was questioned as to his reason for being at the access, as it
was closed. While speaking with the driver, deputies notice a marijuana pipe
in plain view in the vehicle. A search of the vehicle found an additional
marijuana pipe and methamphetamine. The driver admitted to the controlled
substances belonging to him. Driver also admitted to using meth. He was
arrested for possession of methamphetamine & possession of marijuana and
lodged at the VBC Jail.
Investigating Officers:
Deputy
Matthew Konkle & Adam Bielang, Van Buren County Sheriff's Office.
Contact Person:
Lt. Lux or on
duty supervisor.
Mar 2010
Incident #:
1764-10.
Incident type: Suicidal
suspect & possession of a firearm while intoxicated.
Date & time:
March 17,
2010 at 2:58 pm.
Location:
23000 block of CR375, Almena Twp., Van Buren County.
Alcohol involved:
Alcohol was believed to be a factor. A PBT was given to the suspect with a
result of .36 bac.
Suspect:
41 year old white male. Suspect's name is
being withheld pending arraignment.
Weapon: A
.22 caliber Winchester model 150 rifle.
Property seized:
8
firearms were seized from the suspect's residence, including 3 rifles, 3
shotguns, 1 muzzleloader rifle, & 1 air rifle. Weapons were taken for safe
keeping.
Arrest:
Suspect was arrested for the offense of possession of a
firearm while intoxicated.
Narrative:
Sheriff Dale R. Gribler reports that on the date of
March 17, 2010 at approximately
2:58 pm, deputies responded to a 911 call of a suicidal subject armed
with a gun and shooting it into the air at the present time.
Upon arrival, deputies did hear shots being fired from the rear of the
house. Deputies, along with Michigan State Police troopers, did make contact
with the subject and talked him into putting the firearm down. At that point,
the officers did make contact with the subject and did subsequently find him to
be intoxicated. Subject did inform officers that he had wanted to take his own
life. A preliminary breath test taken from the subject did yield a result of .36
bac.
Subject was placed under arrest for the offense of possession of a firearm
while intoxicated. Subject was taken to the hospital for medical evaluation and
subsequently lodge at the Van Buren County jail.
Assisting agencies:
Deputies where assisted by the michigan state police, Van Buren Emergency
Medical Services, & Mattawan Quick Response.
Investigating Officers:
Deputy Matthew Konkle, Deputy Adam Bielang.
Contact person:
On-duty supervisor or
Lt. William Lux, (269) 657-3101,
email.
Incident Numbers:
#1563-10, #1564-10,
#1565-10, #1566-10.
Date and Time:
Monday, March 8, 2010 at approximately 20:33 hours
Incident Type:
Multiple Vehicle Accidents-Fatality
Location:
23,000 block M-43, Almena Township
26,000 block M-43, Almena Township
30,000 block M-43, Almena Township
Vehicles Involved:
Accident #1: Coloma EMS Ambulance
Accident #2: 1997 Ford Taurus, Red
Accident #3: 2001 Oldsmobile Alero, Black
Accident #4: Oldsmobile, Gold
1995 Saturn Vue, Blue
Drivers:
Accident #1:
Mark Anthony Haney, Coloma EMS Ambulance -
Not Injured.
Jessica Zirkle, Coloma EMS - Not Injured.
Accident #2: Michelle Smith, 34 years,
Grand Junction, MI - Not Injured.
Accident #3: Jay Michael Oakley,
40 years, Portage, MI - Transported to Bronson Hospital
with Neck and Back Injuries.
Accident #4: Oldsmobile driver to
be released at later time - Not injured.
Deceased: Everett
Painter, 58 years, Lawton, MI.
Alcohol involved:
Unknown at this time.
INFORMATION:
Sheriff Dale R. Gribler reports that on Monday March
8, 2010 at approximately 20:33 hours Sheriff Deputies were dispatched to the
23,000 block of M-43 in Almena Township for a report that a vehicle had
just struck a Coloma EMS Ambulance that was westbound on M-43.
Deputies were advised that the vehicle that struck the
ambulance continued westbound on M-43. As Deputies were responding Van Buren
Central Dispatch received a second and third 911 call reporting that a vehicle
had struck a second vehicle in the 26,000 block of M-43 and that a third vehicle
that had rolled over with the driver entrapped.
As Deputies approached the scene, Deputies were flagged
down in the 30,000 block of M-43 in which two vehicle had collided and one of
the vehicle left the roadway striking a private residence.
Deputies are still investigating all four of these
separate crashes. At this point, it was determined that a 1995 Saturn Vue, being
operated by Everett Painter, was westbound on M-43 where Painters vehicle struck
a Coloma EMS Ambulance that was traveling westbound. Painter's vehicle continued
westbound on M-43 at a high rate of speed where Painters vehicle collided with
two separate additional vehicles in the 26,000 block. Painter's vehicle
continued westbound, at which time near 30th Street, Painters vehicle struck a
fourth vehicle causing Painters vehicle to leave the roadway, overturning
multiple times, and coming to rest after striking a residence. The occupants of
the residence were home at the time, however, were not injured with damage being
sustained to the attached garage of the residence. Everett Painter was
extricated from the vehicle by the Paw Paw Fire Department utilizing the Jaw of
Life. Everett Painter was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the third vehicle, Jay Oakley received
Neck and Back injuries and was transported by Van Buren Emergency Medical
Services to Bronson Hospital. No other injuries were reported by the other
drivers or occupants. Deputies are still currently investigating all four
accidents.
Assisting Agencies:
Deputies were assisted by the Michigan State Police
(Paw Paw), Paw Paw Fire Department, Paw Paw Quick Response, Kalamazoo County
Sheriff’ Office, Gobles/Pine Grove Fire Department.
Investigating Deputies:
Sergeant Scott Schmitt (269) 657-3101 ext. 801,
Deputy Travis Bernatche (269) 657-3101, Deputy Jim Charon (269) 657- 3101.
Supervisor Contact:
Operations Lieutenant William Lux (269) 657- 2006
ext. 203,
email, or the On-Duty Sergeant.
Incident #:
1462-10
Incident Type/Arrest charges:
OUID (operating while under the influence of narcotics), possession of
marijuana.
Date and Time:
March 4, 2010
at approximately 2:30pm.
Location:
28000 block
of M-40 Highway in Almena Township.
Arrested:
34 year old Gobles woman (name withheld pending arraignment).
Vehicle:
subject was operating a 1995 Mercury Sable 4-door passenger car.
Seized suspected narcotics:
suspected methadone and marijuana.
Information:
Sheriff Dale R. Gribler reports that Van Buren County deputies were alerted by
motorists of a reckless driver northbound on M-40 Highway from M-43.
Sheriff deputies did locate the vehicle in question,
that being a 1995 Mercury Sable which was noted to be driving erratically. A
stop of the vehicle was made, deputies were able to determine the driver, and
sole occupant of this car appeared to be visibly impaired by means other than
alcohol. Deputies evaluated this driver in ways similar to that of a person
having consumed alcohol. The driver was found to be under the influence of some
type of narcotic which she was arrested for. Upon checking her vehicle,
suspected marijuana and several pills were found. The driver did admit to
deputies at this time she had ingested several pills, more than she is
prescribed to take a short time ago. It was further discovered that this woman
had been currently enroute to an area school to pickup her child as well.
The
driver was arrested for OUID and possession of marijuana and is currently lodged
in the Van Buren county jail awaiting arraignment on these charges.
Investigating officer:
Sergeant David Walker.
Supervisor contact:
On Duty Sergeant or Lt William Lux at
269-657-3101 email.
Feb 2010
Jan 2010
Dec 2009
Nov 2009
INCIDENT #:
09-8319
INCIDENT TYPE:
Breaking and Entering.
DATE AND TIME:
October 27, 2009
(Tuesday), early morning hours.
LOCATION:
Kruizenga
Archery, 24780 M-43 Highway, Almena Township, Van Buren County
SUSPECTS:
1. Johnathan Russell Wood, 19, Paw Paw
resident.
2. John Edward Taylor, 19, Paw Paw
resident. 
CHARGES:
Wood: 1 count of Breaking and
Entering a Building with Intent -10 year felony.
Taylor:
1 count of breaking and Entering a Building with Intent- 10 year
felony
Both Wood and Taylor have been arraigned on the
charges and have been set for a preliminary exam in Paw Paw District Court.
INFORMATION:
Sheriff Dale R. Gribler reports that in the early morning hours of Tuesday,
10-27-2009, Deputies from the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office responded to a
business alarm at Kruizenga Archery in Almena Township.
Once deputies arrived on scene, it was discovered that
the business was broken into. In the course of the investigation, Deputies
found that five compound hunting bows and three cross bows had been stolen from
Kruizenga’s.
The Van Buren County Detective Bureau followed up on
this investigation and developed two suspects, which lead to the recovery of
four compound hunting bows and two cross bows, valued at approximately $3,300.
The Van Buren County Prosecutor’s office authorized
charges of breaking and entering on both subjects, who have since been
arrested.
RECOVERED PROPERTY:
Two (2) Mission
maniac Compound Bows, Two (2) Mission Eliminator Compound Bows, One (1) Eastman
Outfitters Cross Bow, and One (1) TenPoint Cross Bow.
INVESTIGATING OFFICERS:
Deputy Greg
Pentland, Deputy Travis Bernatche, Deputy Casey Davis, (269) 657-3101, Detective
Gabrielle Rought, (269) 657-7711, Detective Sgt. Tom Macyauski, (269) 657-7711.
SUPERVISOR CONTACT:
Bryan R. Stump, D/Lieutenant
email,
Narcotic's & Investigative Divisions.
**Anyone with information can contact the Van
Buren County Sheriff’s Office at (269) 657-3101, or Crime Stoppers
1-800-342-7867, or Silent Observer (269) 343-2100.
Oct 2009
Update on the Good Samaritans that assisted in helping Mr.
Crouse out of his vehicle. Ryan Turanzas, out of Paw Paw,
helped Mr. Crouse from his vehicle. The second subject to help was
Anthony Atwater, out of Lawton, detached the battery of the vehicle.
Incident number:
8092-09
Incident type:
Personal Injury Crash.
Date and Time:
October
18, 2009
at 1315hrs.
Location of Incident:
CR-653 and Anthony
St., Paw Paw, Almena Twp.
Driver: Jack Beringson Crouse,
66 year old out of Cassopolis.
Vehicle: 1999 Land Rover.
Seat Belt: Yes, it was used.
Injuries: Chest and
head injuries
Narrative:
Dale R Gribler reports that on the listed date and time deputies responded
to a one car personal injury crash.
While deputies were in route, they were advised that the
sole occupant of the vehicle had been removed and that the vehicle was now
on fire. Upon arrival, deputies determined that a passerby drove by the
crash and, noticing the crash, stopped to render aid. Deputies were
advised that when the passerby made contact with the driver, he stated that
he had fallen asleep. The passerby then noticed the vehicle starting to
burn and, at that time, he tried to break the window to get the driver from
the vehicle. The
passerby was able to break the window and remove the injured driver from
the vehicle through the driver side window. Upon Deputies arrival, the
vehicle was fully engulfed and a complete loss. Paw Paw fire arrived
on-scene and extinguished the car.
The driver was transported to Bronson
Hospital by VEBEMS and is listed in fair condition
on 10/19/2009.
Investigating Officer: Deputy Charon, 657-3101 ext 809.
Supervisor Contact:
Sgt. Polomcak,
657-3101 ext 805,
email
Sep 2009
Incident Type: Animal
cruelty investigation-malicious destruction of property - arson.
Date and Time: The
dog that was killed took place on
September 19, 2009
at approx. 5:00 a.m. The
damage to the Almena store took place September 19, 2009 at around 5:45 a.m.
Arson
vehicle took place September 19, 2009 at around 6:00 a.m.
Locations:
29000 block 42nd avenue located in Almena township (dog
owners location).
42505 CR 653 located in Almena township (Almena store).
42000 block of 32nd street Almena township (arson).
Incident Numbers: 7270-09,
7272-09, 7273-09.
Dog information: 9
year old 10 pound Yorkshire dog (killed).
Property damaged: Front
window of the Almena store. 1992 Chevy Lumina.
Suspect: Only suspect
information available was a single subject (unknown race or gender) wearing
a
hooded sweatshirt.
Information:
Sheriff Dale R. Gribler reports that Van Buren county sheriff deputies were
called to the 29000 block of 42nd avenue this morning at around 5:00 a.m.
The homeowner stated he let the family dog, a 9 year
old 10 pound people-friendly Yorkshire dog outside for just a few minutes; just
after doing so he heard the dog yelp, the owner going out to check on his dog
viewed a subject beating the dog with a club type object. The suspect, seeing
the dog owner, fled on foot. Deputies on scene were unable to located the
suspect and did also find the dog had died from injuries sustained in this
beating.
It was also during this time other area businesses and
residence began reporting damage done to their property as well. The Almena
store located in the 42000 block of CR 653 at 5:48 a.m. had its alarm activated
by persons having thrown a rock threw the front window of the store.
At around 6:00 a.m. a homeowner in the 42000 block of
32nd Street reported his 1992 Chevy Lumina on fire; this investigation is
believed to be arson. All these incidents took place this morning.
Troopers from the Michigan State Police Paw Paw post
are also handling similar reports of damage as well a stolen vehicle in this
same area. Anyone with information in relation to these
incidents are urged to please contact the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office
269-657-3101, Michigan State Police 269-657-5551, Silent Observer 269-343-2100
or Crime Stoppers at 800-342-7867.
Photos:
Almena Store
mb003
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Car arson 002
003
004
005
006
Investigating Officers: Deputies
Tarner, Stolsonburg, Loughrin and Walker, Uniform Response Division.
Supervisor Contact: On
duty Sergeant or Lt William Lux at 269-657-3101
Aug 2009
Jul 2009
Incident Type:
Single Vehicle Personal Injury Crash.
Date and Time:
July 19, 2009
at 2:10
a.m.
Location: 46,000 Block of
County Road 653 Almena
Township.
Incident#:
5471-09
Driver #1: 21 year old male
from Mattawan.
Passengers: None.
Injuries to Driver: The 21 year
old driver was transported to Bronson ER for injuries to his arms and face.
The complete extent of his injuries is unknown.
Vehicle Involved: 1990 Chevy
Truck.
Alcohol: Alcohol is
believed to
be a factor in this crash. The crash is currently under investigation.
Information: Sheriff Dale R. Gribler
reports that Deputies were dispatched to the 46000 block of CR 653 for an
unknown personal injury crash. Upon arrival, Deputies found that the driver of
the vehicle hit a tree and was pinned in the driver's seat. The driver had to
be extracted by the Jaws of Life.
Deputies investigated the crash and
determined that the driver was heading eastbound on CR 653 and missed the
curve, driving straight into the woods and hitting a tree. The vehicle was off
the road for approximately 50 yards before hitting the tree.
The driver was
transported to Bronson Hospital by ambulance, due to his injuries.
Assisting Agencies:
Paw Paw Police Department, Paw Paw Quick Response, Paw Paw Fire Department,
and Van Buren EMS.
Investigating Officer: Deputy
Greg Pentland (269-657-3101 Ext. 822).
Supervisor Contact: Sgt. Wayne
Polomcak (269-657-3101 Ext. 210)
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send an email.
Incident Type:
Personal Injury Crash.
Date & Time of
Incident:
July
12, 2009, at 1:56
P.M.
Location of
Incident:
45000 Block of
M-40, Almena Twp., Van Buren County, State of Michigan.
Incident:
09-5270
Vehicle #1:
2006 Harley Davidson XL1200L.
Driver #1:
Peggy Williams Harmon, 49 year old female from White Pigeon.
Injuries: Possible broken arm and shoulder and large laceration to
forehead.
Hospital Information: Victim
was transported to Bronson Hosp., Kalamazoo, by VBEMS and admitted to the
Trauma Care Unit.
Vehicle #2:
2002 Kawasaki Vulcan.
Driver #2: Steven Wayne Harman, 56 year old male
from White Pigeon.
Seat Belts used: Helmets were used.
Is alcohol a factor: Alcohol is not believed
to be a factor in this crash.
Criminal Charges:
NONE
Narrative:
Sheriff Dale R. Gribler reported that Peggy Williams Harman
crashed into her husband Steven Wayne Harman on M40 just south of 46th Ave.
Both individuals were riding separate motorcycles. A
vehicle stopped suddenly in front of Mr. Harman and he was able to stop in time.
However, Hartman's wife who was riding behind him was unable to stop in time.
Mrs. Hartman impacted Mr. Hartman's motorcycle, tearing off the right side saddle
bag. Mrs. Hartman lost control and crashed on the right side of the roadway and
sustained multiple injuries. Mrs. Hartman was transported to Bronson Hosp. by
VBEMS.
Assisting Agencies:
Paw
Paw Quick Response Team, Paw
Paw P.D., Van
Buren EMS.
Investigating
Officer:
Deputy Kim Desch and Deputy Ron Douglas, can be contacted at
269-657-3101.
Contact Person:
Please call the on duty sergeant at 269-657-3101.
Incident Type:
Personal Injury
Crash
Date and Time:
July 10, 2009 at 16:15 hrs
Location:
M-43 - CR 653 south
Incident #:
5239-09
Vehicle #1: 1999
Oldsmobile Bravada
Driver #1:
Tyler Brian Geipel (18) Kalamazoo
Injuries #1:
Numerous bumps, bruises and small cuts. Possible concussion. Was taken to
Bronson and a CT scan was being done.
Vehicle#2:
1999 GMC Suburban
Driver #2:
Craig Gordon Wilder (41) Kalamazoo
Injuries #2: No visible
injuries. Complained of being sore. Refused medical treatment
Passengers:
Shawn Wilder (39), 5
children - 12, 9, 7, 4, 1 month old
Injuries to
Passengers:
Shawn Wilder, who was in the
front seat passenger side of the vehicle, was the only one to have any known
injuries. She had a cut on her left shin. She refused any medical treatment
at the scene.
Alcohol:
Alcohol does not
appear to be a factor in this incident.
Information:
Sheriff Dale R. Gribler reports that a deputy was dispatched to M-43 and CR
653 South for a personal injury accident. Upon arrival, all parties involved
were out of the vehicles and citizens were assisting with medical treatment.
The deputy on scene investigated the crash
and believes Geipel, Unit #1, crossed the center line to avoid a vehicle that
had slammed on its breaks in front of him. Geipel was headed west bound on
M-43. The Wilder family was headed east bound on M-43 when Geipel's car came
in their lane. Mr. Wilder attempted to swerve to avoid contact with unit #1
but struck the back passenger side of the vehicle. Mr. Wilder slammed on the
breaks and guided his car off the shoulder of the road where it came to stop.
The vehicle had severe front end damage and, although the family was shaken,
there were no serious injuries. The families were all wearing seatbelts and
the infant and small children were all in the appropriate restraints.
Mr. Geipel's vehicle, after the collision, hit the outside shoulder of the road and
flipped over three times stated witnesses. He was removed from the vehicle
with the assistance of a doctor and nurse who were passing by. They assisted
with medical treatment on Geipel, as there were some concern over head and neck
injuries. He was wearing his seatbelt at the time of incident. Geipel was
transported to Bronson hospital by VBEMS.
At this time there have not been any citations issued
in this incident.
Assisting Agencies:
Also assisting with the accident was Paw Paw Quick Response and Paw Paw Fire
Rescue.
Investigating Officer:
Deputy Trever Tate
Supervisor Contact:
Sergeant Wayne Polomcak
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