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information.
Jul 2010
Incident Numbers:
5515-10, 5512-10,
5511-10, 5510-10, 5509-10
Incident type:
Larceny from Motor Vehicles
Incident Location:
Various addresses in the areas of 54th Ave and CR687, Hartford Twp
Incident date and time:
July 26, 2010 early morning hours
Narrative:
Sheriff
Dale R. Gribler reports that deputies were dispatched to several addresses in
the Hartford Township area in regards to victim’s vehicles being broken into
over the night.
During the investigation, deputies were advised that
the victims involved had left their vehicles unlocked overnight and when they
awoke noticed the interior of their vehicle in disarray. The items stolen ranged
from GPS units to loose change.
Sheriff’s Office wants to remind everyone to make sure
to secure vehicles when leaving them.
If anyone has any information, contact the Van Buren
County Sheriff’s Office at 269-657-3101; Silent Observer at 866-774-2345 or
Crime Stoppers at 800-342-7867. Tips may also be submitted from our
website at
Submit
Silent Observer tips here or
Submit CrimeStoppers tips here
Investigating Deputies:
Van Buren County Uniform Response
Contact person: On-duty Sgt. 657-3101 or Lt. Robert Kirk at 657-2006 Ext 3851 or
email.
Incident No: 5413-10
Incident Type: Motor
vehicle theft (unlawful use), No license, Failing to report/identify after being
involved a traffic crash, Open alcohol in motor vehicle
Date and Time: Crash on July 23, 2010 at
9:30pm. Located and arrested on July 24, 2010 at approximately 10:00am
Location: Crash occurred in the 48000
block of CR 681 in Hartford
Suspect: 61 year old Hartford Township man
Suspect Vehicle
(stolen-recovered): 1994 Plymouth Voyager van which sustained major front
end damage
Information: Sheriff
Dale R. Gribler reports that Deputies were dispatched to a hit and run property
damage crash in the 48000 block of County Road 681.
Upon arrival, Deputies noticed the vehicle that
remained on scene had extensive front in damage on the driver side. This
vehicle occupants told deputies that the suspect vehicle that had apparently
left the scene continued south bound on County Road 681. Deputies were unable
to locate the suspect on the night of the crash, during the thunderstorm.
On the next morning, Deputies were dispatched back out
to the area near the original location to make contact with a homeowner, who
found an unknown vehicle in their field. Deputies were able to determine that
the 94 Plymouth minivan in the field was the suspect vehicle from the hit and
run accident the night before. A check of this vehicles damage noted it to be
severely damaged and numerous empty and partially full beer cans scattered about
the interior as well. Deputies were able to track down the owner of the vehicle
a 44 year old Hartford resident. It was then discovered that the vehicle had
been stolen from his residence the night of the crash.
Deputies were able to develop a subject residing in a
nearby migrant camp as a possible suspect. The suspect a 61 year old Hartford
resident was located and interviewed. The suspect admitted to taking the
vehicle without permission and leaving the scene of the crash on County Road 681
because he did not have a license.
The suspect was lodged at the Van Buren County Jail for
the above listed charges. Name withheld pending arraignment.
Investigating Officers:
Deputy Greg Pentland, Sgt. David
Walker.
Supervisor Contact:
On-duty Sergeant or Lt Bob
Kirk at 269-657-3101
email
Jun 2010
May 2010
UPDATE
Homicide Sentencing - Juanita Lucille Jackson, black
female, 49 years of age
Incident No: 08-84574
Today's Date: May 10, 2010.
Victim: Bruce Allen Woody, black
male, 47 years old.
Date of Original Incident: October 05,
2008
Information:
Sheriff Dale R. Gribler
reports that on May 10th, 2010, Juanita Lucille Jackson was sentenced for murder
in the stabbing death of Bruce Allen Woody, which occurred in the early morning
hours of October 5th, 2008 in Hartford Township.
Juanita Jackson was taken in to custody, placed under
arrest, and lodged in the Van Buren County Jail on October 5th,2008 for the
murder of Woody, where she has remained until today’s sentencing date.
Juanita Lucille Jackson Pled Guilty to Second Degree
Murder in Van Buren County 36th Judicial Circuit Court on April 13th, 2010.
Juanita Lucille Jackson was sentenced to 20 to 30 years
in States Prison on today's date.
Contact Information: Detective Sergeant Thomas J.
Macyauski, 269-657-7711,
email.
Contact Supervisor:
Detective Lieutenant Bryan Stump, 269-657-7711,
email.
Apr 2010
Mar 2010
Incident #:
1408-10.
Incident Type:
Operating While Intoxicated, Leaving the scene of an accident, Failing to report
an accident.
Date and Time:
March 3, 2010 at 20:15 hours.
Suspect Vehicle:
1998 Buick passenger car.
Victims Car:
2001 Mazda passenger car.
Alcohol:
Alcohol
was a factor in this crash.
Suspect: 40 year
old male from Watervliet, MI
Victim: 41 year
old female
April Lewis
from Hartford, MI
Injuries: No
injuries where reported in this incident.
Information:
Sheriff Dale
Gribler reports that Deputies where dispatched to the 68000 Block of Red Arrow
Hwy [Hartford Township] for a hit and run accident.
Deputies arrived on scene and where told by
the victim and witnesses that the driver, a white
male, fled the scene. The victim stated that she pulled out of her driveway and
was heading east on Red Arrow Hwy. She advised Deputies that she saw a
vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed behind her and was struck in the
rear end. The accident pushed her vehicle off the side of the road and sent
the suspect vehicle into the ditch and near a creek. The driver ran into the
woods after the accident. Deputies located the driver down the road trying to
obtain a ride from other motorists. Deputies where able smell an odor of
alcohol on the suspect and, after evaluations, determined he was highly
intoxicated.
The suspect was taken to Van Buren County jail on the listed
charges.
Investigating
Officers:
Deputy Casey
Davis, Deputy Jim
Charon.
Contact person:
Sgt Wayne
Polomcak
Feb 2010
Incident #
10-1159.
Incident type:
Home invasion, aggravated domestic assault.
Date and time:
February 18, 2010,
23:10
Location:
59644 60th Ave., Hartford Twp, Van Buren County
Victim:
22 year old female; Harford resident
Suspect:
23 year old Kalamazoo resident. Name withheld until arraignment.
Information:
Sheriff Dale R. Gribler reports that deputies responded to a
hartford
twp residence where an ex-boy friend had kicked a door in, breaking into, and
entered the residence.
The suspect had sent text messages bragging about hurting the victim when
he gets there and going to jail, prior to arriving at the residence. After
entering the residence the suspect assaulted, choked, and struck the victim.
The victim was able to fight the suspect off and he was pulled from the
victim by a family member. The suspect broke away from the family member,
attacking the victim a second time prior to police arrival.
Officers took the suspect into custody. He is current lodged at Van Buren
County jail. The victim was treated at a local hospital and released.
Assisting agencies:
Hartford Police Department and
Coloma EMS.
Contact:
On duty sergeant at (269)
657-3101 or Lt. William Lux at (269) 657-2006,
email.
Jan 2010
Incident #:
Multiple 2010
incident numbers
Incident Type:
Multiple vehicle personal injury crash, temporary closure of I-94 eastbound
travel lanes.
Date and Time:
January 1,
2010, starting at around 1:00 p.m.
Location: I-94
eastbound travel lanes from 70th street to CR 687 in Hartford Township.
Drivers/vehicles/injuries:
Multiple passengers cars and semi tractor trailer units. Several persons were
injured and were transported by ambulance to area hospital, or these persons
were treated by emergency responders at the scene.
Factors in the crash:
Speed appears to be a factor, as there was heavy snow fall at the time, snow
covered slippery road surfaces. Alcohol was not in any of these crashes.
Information:
Sheriff Dale R. Gribler reports that Van Buren County Sheriff Deputies and
additional emergency personnel were called to I-94 near the Hartford exit (CR
687) for a report of a multi-car crash in this area.
Emergency responders on scene noted between 30-40 motor
vehicle in about a one mile span of this area either crashed, or had slide off
the road requiring tow trucks to remove them. Van Buren County Sheriff
Deputies, Berrien County Sheriff Deputies and Troopers from the Michigan State
Police handled over 20 of these as either property damage, or personal injury
crashes. All injuries were minor.
I-94 eastbound travel lanes were closed for
approximately 2 hours from Watervliet to Hartford while dozens of wrecker
services assisted clearing these cars from the scene.
Investigating Officers:
Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office,
Berrien County Sheriff’s Office and Michigan State Police.
Assisting
Agencies:
Hartford Fire Department, Coloma EMS, Coloma Township Police Department, Van
Buren EMS.
Supervisor contact:
On Duty Sergeant or Lt William Lux
at 269-657-3101
email.
Photos: 28
photos slideshow.
Dec 2009
Incident #:
9974-09
Incident Type:
2-car personal injury crash.
Date and
Time:
December
31, 2009 at approximately 10:45 a.m.
Location:
54000 block
of CR 687 located in Hartford Township.
Vehicle #1:
1999 Ford F-150 pickup truck.
Major front end damage was sustained to this pickup resulting from this traffic
crash
Driver:
William Traver, a 44 year old Hartford man.
Subject sustained facial injuries and body trauma to which he was transported by
ambulance to Watervliet Hospital for treatment where he is listed in good
condition. Driver was seatbelt in.
Passenger
vehicle #1: Rebecca Traver, 41 year old Hartford woman. Subject sustained
facial injuries and body trauma to which she was transported by ambulance to
Watervliet Hospital for treatment where she is listed in good condition.
Passenger was seatbelted in.
Vehicle #2: 2005
GMC pickup, which sustained major front end damage from this traffic crash.
Driver: John Foley a 64 year old Bangor man. Subject
sustained facial injuries and body
trauma to which he was
transported by ambulance to Watervliet Hospital for treatment where he is listed
in good condition. Driver was seatbelt in.
Factors in the crash:
Speed appears to be a factor. Alcohol was not.
Information:
Sheriff Dale R. Gribler reports that Van Buren County Sheriff deputies along
with additional emergency services personnel were called to the 54000 block of
CR 687 in Hartford Township for a reported 2 vehicle personnel injury crash.
Emergency responders on scene began treatment of 3
injured persons in these two vehicles. All three persons were stabilized at the
scene and transported by ambulance to Watervliet Hospital for treatment of
non-life threatening injuries.
Deputies were able to obtain information from both
drivers that the 1999 Ford pickup truck driven by William Traver, his wife
Rebecca a passenger, were southbound on CR687 when this driver lost control on
the slippery road surface, crossed the center line, striking head-on John Foley
who was operating his 2005 GMC pickup truck northbound. This collision then
forced both vehicles off the road and into a ditch.
Traver was cited for traveling to fast for conditions.
Investigating Officer:
Sergeant David Walker,
Uniform Response Division.
Assisting Agencies: Hartford
Fire Department, Coloma EMS.
Supervisor Contact: On
Duty Sergeant or Lt William Lux at 269-657-3101,
email.
Nov 2009
Incident#:
8840-09
Incident Type: Warrant
arrest/narcotic violations/carrying concealed weapon/obstructing
Date/Time: November
12, 2009
at approximately 11:15 a.m.
Location: 52000 block
of CR 687 located in Hartford Township.
Vehicle: 1997 Jeep
Grand Cherokee.
Suspects/arrested/charges:
#1: Michael Joe Reyna, a 26 year old Hartford man, lodged in the
Van Buren county jail on the following charges:
1) possession of
meth components
2) obstructing
3) carrying a
concealed weapon
4 and 5) 2-
Bench warrants for child support
6) felony warrant
for possession of a taser
7) domestic
assault.
#2: Lisa Marie Reyna, a 24 year old Hartford woman,
lodged in the county jail on the following charges:
1 and 2) bench
warrant for contempt of court traffic violations
3) shoplifting
warrant
4) failure to
appear warrant.
#3: Jacqueline Michelle Collis, a 24 year old woman from
Coloma. Subject lodged in the Van Buren county jail on the following charges:
1) possession of
meth components
2) bench warrant
out of the Berrien county sheriff’s office for failure to appear.
Seized: Several different components used in the manufacturing process of
methamphetamine.
Information:
Sheriff Dale. R. Gribler reports that Van Buren county sheriff deputies
investigated a reported domestic assault that had occurred in Bangor township
early this date.
The victim, identified as 24 year old Lisa Reyna,
stated she had sustained injuries from this assault to which she was transported
by ambulance to Watervliet hospital for treatment.
Deputies further investigation discovered 4 warrants
for Lisa Reyna, as were there warrants for the alleged suspect-husband,
identified as 25 year old Michael Reyna.
Deputies were able to develop information on a
possible vehicle Michael Reyna maybe operating, that being a black 1997 Jeep
Grand Cherokee.
As officers began attempts to locate Michael
Reyna, Van Buren County detectives, who were assisting, discovered the suspect
and vehicle north of Hartford City limits on CR 687. Detectives made
contact with Michael Reyna and his 24 year old passenger Jacqueline Collis of
Coloma and arrested them both on their outstanding warrants.
Uniformed officers and detectives did also check the
suspect’s vehicle finding several components used in the manufacturing process
of methamphetamine.
Further investigation discovered in this vehicle were, clubs
and knives to which Michael Reyna stated he carried for protection.
All subjects were transported to and lodged in the Van
Buren county jail on their above listed charges.
Arresting deputies:
Sergeant David Walker, Deputy John Stolsonburg and Detectives from the Van Buren
county Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Bureau.
Supervisor Contact:
Contact the
on duty Sergeant at (269) 657-3101, or Operations Lt. William V. Lux at (269)
657-2006 or by email.
Oct 2009
INCIDENT #:
7666-09.
INCIDENT TYPE: Semi (tractor/trailer unit)
versus car personal injury crash.
DATE AND TIME REPORTED:
October 3, 2009 at 0219 HRS
LOCATION: I-94 near
the 48mm which is located in Hartford Township.
DRIVER #1: Erin
Ellis a 40 year old female from Indianapolis Indiana.
VEHICLE: #1: 2004 Buick Reiner 4 door
passenger car.
DRIVER #2:
Raymond Johnston a 45 year old man from Chatham Ontario (Canada).
VEHICLE #2: 2007 Freightliner semi tractor
trailer unit.
ALCOHOL: does not
appear at this time to be a factor.
INFORMATION:
Sheriff Dale R. Gribler reports that
Van Buren County Sheriff Deputies were dispatched to I-94, near the 48 mile
marker, which is in Hartford township in regards to a personal injury crash
that reportedly involved a car and a semi.
Deputies, while investigating the crash, found that the
car involved had just broken down and was setting in the right travel lane on
the eastbound side with no lights on. It was during this time, the operator of
this broken down car was on the phone for a few seconds attempting to call for
help when the Semi collided with her vehicle.
Ellis sustained injury, but was in stable condition
this morning at Watervliet Hospital. The Semi Driver from Ontario was not
injured. Substantial damage occurred to both vehicles.
Investigating Officers:
Sgt D Harvey, Dep Hocksprung, Dep Tarner.
Supervisor contact: On
Duty Sgt or Lt. Lux 657-3101.
Sep 2009
Incident #
7578-09
Incident Type: OWI crash,
Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Driving Without a License, Outstanding
Warrant Arrest.
Date and
Time:
September 29, 2009 22:45 hours.
Location:
66th Ave. and 60th St. in Hartford Twp.
Driver:
Emigdio Hernandez-Hernandez DOB 11-26-89
Injuries:
The driver did not sustain any injuries.
Vehicle:
1998 GMC Astro Van.
Alcohol: Alcohol was a factor in this crash.
Information: Sheriff Dale
Gribler reports that deputies were dispatched to the intersection of 66th Ave.
and 60th. St in Hartford Twp.
A power line worker called Van Buren County
Central Dispatch advising that he was working on the power lines in the area
when a vehicle ran thru the intersection, almost striking him. The vehicle
crashed into several trees after leaving the roadway. The witness advised
Dispatchers that the driver was leaving the scene. Deputies located the driver
several miles away and found the driver highly intoxicated.
The driver, who
was underage, was taken into custody and transported to the Van Buren County
Jail where he was lodged for Operating While Intoxicated. The driver also had
a warrant out of Benton Twp. Police Department for Domestic Violence.
The
Midwest Energy worker stated that the driver, Emigdio Hernandez-Hernandez,
caused approximately $500.00 to $600.00 worth of damage to the utility
equipment.
Assisting Agency:
The Hartford Police Department assisted Deputies with the traffic
crash.
Investigating
Officer: Deputy Casey
Davis (269) 657-3101 Ext. 835.
Supervisor
Contact:
On duty Sgt or
Lt. William Lux.
INCIDENT #: 6693-09
INCIDENT TYPE: Breaking and
Entering with Intent, Possession Burglary Tools.
DATE AND TIME:
Tuesday, September
1, 2009, at approximately 1:56
a.m.
INCIDENT LOCATION: Michigan
Department of Human Services, 57150 County Road 681, Hartford MI 49057.
SUSPECT INFORMATION:
Male, 24 year old, Covert Residence (name to be released upon arraignment).
INFORMATION:
Sheriff Dale R. Gribler reports that in the early morning hours of September 1,
2009, Sheriff Deputies were dispatched to the Michigan Department of Human
Services at approximately 1:56 a.m. after Van Buren Central Dispatch received a
report from an alarm company reporting a motion alarm at the business.
Upon arrival, Deputies located a window that had been
pried open with the screen removed. A short time later, a suspect was observed
running throughout the building and, at one point, the suspect was observed
trying to throw an object through a window in an attempt to flee from deputies.
Upon arrival of assisting personnel, Sheriff K9 Xago
was utilized. As Sheriff K9 Xago was brought into the building and announcement
given, the suspect appeared, where he attempted to flee out an unlocked door.
The suspect was immediately taken into custody by Deputies. The suspect was
found to have numerous tools and equipment used for breaking into buildings that
was located on his person.
In addition, Deputies located the suspect’s vehicle
that was parked in a wooded area a short distance from building. The male
suspect was taken into custody and lodged at the Van Buren County Jail pending
arraignment. The male suspect was found to be on Parole for additional Breaking
and Entering.
The Michigan Department of Human Services did receive
extensive damage from the suspect kicking in and prying open doors.
ASSISTING AGENCIES:
Michigan State Police (Paw Paw Post), Covert Township PD, Bangor Police
Department, Hartford Police, Watervliet Police, Berrien County Sheriff’s Office,
Coloma Township PD, South Haven Police Department.
INVESTIGATING OFFICERS:
K9 Sergeant Scott Schmitt (269) 657-3101 ext. 801, Deputy Travis Bernatche,
Deputy Casey Davis, Deputy Greg Pentland, Deputy John Stolsonburg, Deputy Todd
Oliver.
Sergeant
Scott Schmitt
Van Buren County Sheriff's Office
Uniform Response - K9 Division
205 S. Kalamazoo Street
Paw Paw MI 49079
Telephone: (269) 657-3101 ext. 801
Click here to send
an email
Aug 2009
Jul 2009
Incident # -
09-5316
Incident Type -
Personal Injury Crash
Date & Time of Incident
-
July 13, 2009 at 3:00 p.m.
Location of Incident -
59 1/2 Street, .5 miles north of
Red Arrow Highway Hartford
Township.
Vehicle #1 -
1989 Blue Ford Pickup
Driver #1
- Ryan Thomas
Meachum, 32 Year old male from St. Joseph, MI
Vehicle #2
-
2007 Silver Roketa Moped
Driver #2 -
Daniel Wayne Holland, 19 Year old
male from Hartford, MI.
Injuries
-
Possible broken rib, road rash
and multiple cuts and abrasions,
non-life threatening injuries.
Hospital Information -
Victim was transported to Watervliet
ER by VBEMS.
Seat Belts used -
Yes
Helmet Used - No
Is alcohol a factor -
Alcohol
is not believed to be a factor in this crash.
Criminal Charges or Traffic Citations issued
-
No
Criminal Charges. A citation was issued to Driver #1 for improper passing.
Narrative
-
Sheriff Dale R. Gribler reported that Ryan Thomas Meachum crashed
into Daniel Wayne Holland on 59.50 Street, .5 miles north of Red Arrow Highway.
Both vehicles were southbound on 59.50 Street when Holland slowed to turn
left into a private drive.
Meachum was passing on a
double yellow no passing zone
as Holland
was turning into the drive. Holland
was hit
and thrown from
the moped onto the roadway sustaining multiple injuries. Holland was transported
to Watervliet ER by VBEMS.
Assisting Agencies
- Paw Paw Quick Response Team,
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.
Jun 2009
Incident #:
4652-09
Incident Type:
Home Invasion-Assault with intent to commit murder investigation.
Incident Date and Time:
June 24, 2009
at approximately 12:30 a.m.
Incident Location:
56000 block 65 ½ street in Hartford Twp.
Suspect:
36 year old male from Grand Rapids (name withheld pending location).
Victims:
39 year old male from Hartford area (refused medical
treatment, suffered minor visible injuries)
29 year old female from the Hartford area.
Weapon:
The suspect
used a blanket in attempts to suffocate the victim to the point of
unconsciousness, as did the suspect choke and punch the victim as well.
Information:
Sheriff Dale Gribler reports that Deputies were dispatched to a 911 call in the
56000 block of 65 ½ street for a assault and home invasion complaint.
Deputies arrived on scene and made contact with the two victims. The victims
stated that a old boyfriend to the 29 year old female came into the house while
the two were sleeping and started assaulting the male victim. The male victim
was punched in the face multiple time and then placed in a choke hold until he
went unconscious. The suspect wrapped a blanket around the male victims face and
then continued to punch him in the face. The male victim stated he woke up and
then was able to defend himself enough until he was able to escape the house and
run down the street to safety. The female victim stated after she seen her
ex-boyfriend in the house she tried to defend the male victim. When she saw
him go unconscious, she ran into the living room where her daughter was with a
friend. She stated she tried to protect he daughter until the suspect left the
residence. The female victim told the suspect that the police were called and
the suspect fled the house in his vehicle. Deputies have identified the
suspect and are attempting to locate him, at this time, to which charges sought
are going to be that of home invasion and possibly that of assault with the
intent to murder, as the suspect had attempted to suffocate the male victim.
Investigating officer:
Deputy Casey Davis
Supervisor Contact:
On-Duty Sergeant or Lt. Lux
Incident #:
4611-09
Incident Type:
1. Domestic
Assault
2. Poss. Marijuana
3. Assault Police Officer
Date & Time of Incident:
Monday,
June 22, 2009,
at approx. 11:50 A.M.
Location of Incident:
62785 Red Arrow Hwy, Hartford Twp, Van Buren County, State of Michigan.
Suspect Information:
Matthew John McLellan 38 years out of Kalamazoo
(Son)
Victim:
61 year old Hartford man, whose
name is being withheld at this time (Father)
Hospital Information:
Bronson Lakeview E.R.
for a high alcohol level
Injuries Sustained:
None
Is alcohol a factor?
The suspect had a .32 BAC.
Criminal Charges:
1. Domestic Assault (Misdemeanor)
2. Poss. Marijuana (Felony)
3. Assault Police Officer (Felony)
Narrative:
Dale R. Gribler reports that Deputies, along with
Hartford Police Department, were sent to a Domestic In Progress with a fight
between father and son. After arriving on scene, they made contact with the
father, who advised that they were arguing about the son’s dog which had just
died. The son then started punching his dad. The father advised that his son
was out back sitting in his car and was highly intoxicated and will fight with
Police if he is confronted. As the Officers went out back, they found the son
passed out in the car. After several attempts, they did wake the son.
In trying
to talk to the son, he was too intoxicated and did not make any sense, so they
arrested him for Domestic Violence. After handcuffing the son, he was searched and
a small amount of marijuana in his right front pocket of his shorts was found.
After he was brought to the jail, he was given a PBT and was taken to the
Hospital for being highly intoxicated. After getting him to the Hospital, the
subject started fighting with Officers. He then kicked one of the Officers in
the leg and, at this point, he was put in leg restraints and was then treated and
released by the Hospital, then lodged at the Van Buren County Jail for the
charges listed above.
Investigating Officer:
Deputy Kim Desch, Deputy Ron Douglas, can be contacted at
269-657-3101.
Contact Person:
Call the on-duty sergeant at 269-657-3101.
Incident Number:
4469-09
Incident type:
Fatal Motorcycle Crash
Date and Time of Accident:
June 17, 2009 at 3:15pm
Location of Crash:
I-94 at County Road 687 in Hartford Township
Operator of motorcycle:
Brian Christopher Tufnell, 31 year old Laingsburg Michigan man. Subject
sustained fatal injuries as a result of this traffic crash (helmet worn).
Passenger on motorcycle:
Michael Logan Tufnell, 11 year old Laingsburg Michigan boy (helmet worn).
Passenger sustained several lacerations to various parts of his body along with
a broken clavicle.
Motorcycle information: 1982 Yamaha Motorcycle.
Alcohol: Alcohol was not a factor.
Information:
Sheriff Dale R. Gribler reports that Sheriff Deputies were dispatched to
the scene of a motorcycle crash on the exit ramp of eastbound I-94 at County
Road 687 in Hartford Township at about 3:20pm yesterday. Information given was
that the motorcycle had caught on fire and there were two victims involved. When
Deputies arrived on scene a private citizen and a Motor Carrier Officer were
giving CPR to the driver of the motorcycle. Another bystander, who stopped at
the crash scene, attended to the passenger of the motorcycle who also was
visibly injured. Hartford Fire Department arrived on scene and extinguished the
engulfed motorcycle. Emergency Medical Technicians and Medical Personal arrived
on scene and provided medical attention to the injured boy. He was later
transported to Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo for medical treatment. The driver
of the motorcycle was pronounced dead at the scene. It appeared that Tufnell was
exiting eastbound I-94 and may have been traveling too fast to negotiate the
curve on the exit ramp. The skid marks on the pavement indicated that Tufnell
locked up the brakes on the motorcycle in an attempt to stop, but slid sideways
and off the ramp into the grass. Both were thrown from the motorcycle.
Assisting Agencies: MSP Motor Carrier Officer, Hartford Fire Dept.,
Medic 1 Ambulance, Medical Examiner’s Office.
Investigators: Deputy Rich Wallace, Deputy Ray Hochsprung, Van Buren
County Sheriff's Office.
Supervisor Contact: On duty Sergeant or Operations Lt William Lux at
269-657-3101. |
