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Jan 2011
Dec 2010
Incident #::
9703-10
Incident Type:
Flee and Elude, Resist and Obstructing, DWLS, Improper Plate, Warrant arrests.
Date and Time:
December 29, 2010 at 19:30.
Location:
Originated at CR 665 and 40th St Waverly Twp, ended at 18th Ave and 46th St
Bloomingdale Twp.
Vehicle:
1996 White Pontiac Grand Prix.
Driver Arrested:
29 year old Mattawan man, Travis Krier
Passenger Arrested:
28 year old female from Gobles, Janelle White lodged on a felony warrant for
dangerous drugs.
Information:
Sheriff Dale R. Gribler reports that deputies were involved in a pursuit which
began on CR 665 and 40th St and ended at 18th Ave and 46th St.
While a deputy was on a separate traffic stop on CR665
and 40th St, a vehicle was observed driving by where it accelerated at a high
rate of speed. The deputy managed to obtain the plate on the vehicle and found
it to be improper. The deputy attempted to catch up to the vehicle as it went
east on 36th Ave, north on 37th St, and west on M43 where the vehicle was
observed passing cars in a reckless manner at high rates of speed over 100 mph.
The vehicle then turned north on 41st St where it ran several stop signs while
traveling east on 20th Ave, north on 38th St, and west on CR380. The vehicle
ran another stop sign as it continued west on 18th Ave before crashing into a
ditch on 46th St. A K9 track ensued however the suspects were not located at
that time.
Approximately 5 hours later, the Michigan State Police
were dispatched to the 45000 block of CR 380 for a report of two subjects
knocking on someone's house trying to get in. Upon arrival, they received
information that the subjects' description matched that of the above pursuit.
During a second K9 track the two subjects were located hiding alongside a barn
on 44th St north of CR380.
The male driver was found to have a suspended license
as well as a warrant for parole absconding and a bench warrant out of Kalamazoo
County. The female passenger was found to have a felony warrant out of Kalamazoo
County for dangerous drugs. Both subjects were subsequently lodged on the above
related charges.
Investigating Officers:
Deputy Jason Stasienko and Deputy Brian Matthews.
Assisting Agencies:
MSP AND MSP K9, Bangor
Police Department.
Contact Persons:
On duty sergeant or Lt Robert Kirk at
269-657-3101,
email.
Nov 2010
Oct 2010
Incident Number #: 7445-10.
Incident Type: Resisting and
Obstructing Police, Hit and Run Property Damage Crash, Operating While
Intoxicated, Drove While License Revoked, Warrant Arrest.
Date and Time of Incident: Friday,
October 1, 2010 at 2330 hrs.
Locations of Incident: Hampton Inn on
Cecilia Dr in South Haven Township and Phoenix Inn in Geneva Township, Van Buren
County.
Suspect Arrested: Gregory Wayne Biggs
7-23-69, of South Haven.
Suspect Vehicle: Light Blue 1979 Chevy
pickup truck.
Damaged Vehicle: 2010 Black Dodge
Charger.
Information:
Sheriff Dale R. Gribler reports that Deputies were dispatched to the
Phoenix Inn where a passerby witnessed the suspect vehicle crash into a
parked car in the parking lot of the Hampton Inn hotel near CR 388 and
73rd St., and then leave the scene of the crash east bound on CR 388.
The witnesses reported the vehicle almost ran them off
the road and nearly crashed into construction barrels and was weaving all
over the roadway. Witnesses followed the suspect vehicle to the Phoenix
Inn where the driver was observed laying down within the pickup and then
fell down on the ground when exiting the pickup.
The witnesses had been on the telephone with Van Buren
Central Dispatch upon witnessing the crash. Deputies contacted witnesses
and suspect at that time and began an OWI investigation due to the signs
of intoxication displayed by the suspect.
Deputies found damage to the suspect vehicle and
matched it to the damage on the vehicle in the Hotel parking lot. Further
physical evidence of the crash was left at the scene that was collected
and preserved.
The suspect was arrested for the above
listed charges and a search warrant for blood was obtained for crime lab
analysis. The suspect did Resist and Obstruct Police while he was in
custody by pulling away from Deputies while being escorted from the patrol
vehicle and kicking the patrol unit as well.
The suspect was lodged at the Van Buren County Jail
pending arraignment.
Investigating Deputies:
Deputy Kyle Romeo, Deputy Matthew Konkle,
Deputy Adam Bielang.
Assisting Agency: South Haven City
Police Dept.
Contact Information:
On Duty Supervisor (269) 657-3101 or Lt Robert Kirk,
email
Photos:
7445-10 004.jpg
7445-10 006.jpg
7445-10 010.jpg
Sep 2010
Aug 2010
Updated Information
Yet another store has just reported being victimized by cashing
these counterfeit checks. The Keeler store, located in the 84000 block of CR
681 (Van Buren County), reported 3 Hispanic male subjects just entered the
store at around 8:45pm, presenting 3 Berrybrook enterprise payroll checks they
wished to cash. The store employees did cash one check but then became
suspicious and called police. These suspects fled out of the store got into
what is believe to be a 4 door silver Buick passenger car and sped away.
Incident Number:
6038-10
Incident type:
Fraud (counterfeit checks)
Date & Time: afternoon hours this date
August 13, 2010
Location of Incident: various convenience
stores in, but not limited to, Southern Van Buren and Northern Cass County
reported at this police at this time
Vehicle Involved:
believed to be a possible mid-2000 Chrysler minivan, light blue in color
bearing unknown state registration of possibly K728122
Fraudulent material information:
Berrybrook Enterprises, out of Dowagiac Michigan, showing financial institution
holder is that of Chemical bank
Suspect Information:
#1: Hispanic male subject, approximately 5’6, stocky build, late teens-early
20’s
#2: Hispanic male subject approximately 5’7 thinner build
Information:
Sheriff Dale R. Gribler reports that deputies were called to the 7 Mile Store
located in the 57000 block of M-51 highway, Hamilton Township, in regards to
subjects attempting to cash fraudulent-counterfeit checks.
As officers were en route, the suspects fled the scene
in what was reported to be a mid 2000 light blue minivan. Officers on scene
gathered information from the store clerks who advised 2 Hispanic male subjects
came into the store acting very nervous. The store clerk was provided a check
from these subjects who stating they would like to cash this payroll check. The
store clerks suspicious called Berrybrook Enterprises, the company on the check,
who stated no such check was issued. The store clerk attempted to keep the
suspects at the store as he called police, but they got nervous and asked for
the check back. The store clerk advising he was not giving them back the check
and they can get into trouble for attempting to cash such. The suspects took off
running out of the store to a van waiting for them in the parking lot, leaving at
a high rate of speed northbound from this location.
Van Buren County Sheriff deputies, in contact with
adjacent counties, found that just minutes prior to this complaint, a store in
Cass County - just a few miles south of this location, did in fact cash one of
these fraudulent checks for nearly $400. The suspects and the vehicle appear
to have been one-in-the-same.
Note; not all checks from Berrybrook Enterprises issued
to employees are going to be fraudulent. Persons cashing any checks should
obtain valid identification from the presenter and, if they feel the requested
transaction is suspicious, they should contact law enforcement having obtained
as much information on the suspects and what they may be traveling in.
Anyone with information is
asked to contact the Van Buren Co. Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau at
269-657-771, Cass Co. Sheriff’s Office at 269-445-1294, Silent Observer,
343-2100 or 866-774-2345 or Crime Stoppers, 800-342-7867.
Submit
Silent Observer tips here
Submit CrimeStoppers tips here
Investigating Officer:
Sergeant David Walker
Contact Persons: D/Lt
William Lux email,
Lt Bob Kirk email,
or the on duty supervisor at 269-657-3101
Mar 2010
Incident
No:
10-800117 Multiple
Incident
Type:
Narcotic’s Warrant Arrests & Search Warrant.
Date:
March 24, 2010.
Location:
Covert Township & City of Hartford, Van Buren County.
Information:
Sheriff Dale R. Gribler reports that the Van Buren County
Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, Covert Township Police Department, along with
the DEA out of Grand Rapids Michigan have conducted a long term investigation
into the sales and distribution of controlled substances in the Covert and
Hartford communities.
The investigations have resulted in the issuance of
arrest warrants for the listed suspects. The investigations were for the sale
and distribution of cocaine (“Rock”) and what was represented to be Heroin.
Another suspect was indicted by the DEA a few weeks prior and is in Federal
custody awaiting trial.
A search warrant was also executed at 520 S Center
Street Apt-B13, Hartford Michigan. This warrant was issued after the sale of
cocaine from this location. Cocaine residue, small amount of marijuana, scales,
and currency was seized from this apartment along with the arrest of BECKHAM.
All of the arrested suspects were lodged in the Van
Buren County Jail pending arraignment in the 7th District Court of Michigan. All
of the suspects have multiple delivery cases pending court action.
Pending Drug Charges:
The 23
year old female from the search warrant in Hartford was taken into custody for
delivery of cocaine and possession of marijuana. Name withheld pending
arraignment.
Arrested:
1)
Teywon Terrell Beckham, age 27
(Hartford Search Warrant)
520 S. Center Street, Hartford Michigan.
One Count Delivery-Manufacture Cocaine
$10,000 cash
2)
 2)
Shondel Solomon Newell, age 32
One Count
Imitation Manufacture or Distribution
$10,000 cash
3) Charles
Curtis Brown, age 58
One Count
Imitation Manufacture or Distribution
$3,000 cash
4)
4) David Carlton Hyler,
age 54
One Count Delivery/Manufacture Cocaine
$15,000 cash
5) Simona Robin Smith, age 28
One Count Imitation Manufacture or Distribution
$10,000 cash
6)
Raymond Joseph Freeman, age 51,
One Count
Delivery/Manufacture Cocaine
$25,000 cash
7)
Shaun Pierre GILL, age 39,
One Count
Delivery/Manufacture Cocaine
$3,000 cash
Assisting Agencies::
Covert Township Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, Grand Rapids
MI, Van Buren County Uniform Response, Van Buren County Narcotic’s.
Anyone with information can contact the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office at
(269) 657-3101, Crime Stoppers 1-800-342-7867, Silent Observer (269) 343-2100
or your local Police Department.
Contact: On
duty supervisor, Bryan R.
Stump, D/Lieutenant, Office (269) 657-3101 x 208, Fax (269) 657-5160, Tri-Net
Office (269) 657-8296, or via
email.
Feb 2010
Incident #: 906
-10
Incident Type:
Personal Injury Crash.
Date and Time:
February 9,
2010
at
approximately 0800 hrs.
Location of Incident:
I-94
Eastbound at 58
Mile Marker, between Decatur and Paw Paw..
Vehicles Involved:
#1
- 2001 Freightliner Semi Truck
#2 - 2005 Chrysler 300M Silver
Seats Belts Used:
Yes
Alcohol:
Alcohol was not a factor.
Victims:
Driver #1 - Alfonso Coleman Male 27 years old from
Covert, 72958 34th Ave.
Passenger - Levar Coleman Male 32 years old from Covert.
72958 34th Ave.
Criminal Charges: Driving
While License Suspended Alfonso Coleman.
Information:
Sheriff Dale R. Gribler
reports Deputies were dispatched to a Semi versus Car, Personal Injury accident
eastbound I-94 at the 58
Mile marker (between
Decatur and Paw Paw exits) early this morning.
Upon arrival responding Deputy located the above Chrysler four-door
underneath a Semi truck. Investigation revealed that the Semi had stopped on the
roadway for another accident and Jack-knifed semi in front of him. The victim
was unable to stop and hit the semi entrapping a passenger.
Victims were removed from the vehicle by VBMS and Paw Paw fire Department.
They were transported to Lakeview Hospital. The passenger was admitted for head
injuries. Semi truck driver Christopher Furman was able to drive away from the
scene and uninjured.
Driver was cited for Driving while License suspended treated and released.
Investigating
Officer: Dwayne
Brigham
Contact: On
Duty Sergeant (269) 657-3101
Jan 2010
Incident #:
multiple
2010 incident numbers.
Incident Type:
Multiple vehicle property damage and personal injury crashes, temporary closure
of I-94 eastbound/westbound travel lanes.
Date and
Time:
January 7, 2010 starting at around 11:40am and continuing.
Location:
I-94 eastbound and westbound travel lanes from CR 687 in Hartford Township to
CR 652 in Antwerp Township.
Drivers/vehicles/injuries:
Multiple passengers cars, semi tractor trailer units, Van Buren County Sheriff
patrol unit and Covert public schools school bus.
Several persons were injured and were transported by
ambulance to area hospital, or these persons were treated by emergency
responders at the scene. One student, a passenger on the Covert school bus was
transported by ambulance to an area hospital for non life threatening injuries.
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, State and local
police units along with additional emergency services personnel were called to
several multi vehicle crashes and slide offs to I-94 this in both the east and
westbound travel lanes.
Law enforcement officers on scene began to police a
several car pileup on westbound I-94 near the 48 mile marker, when yet another
vehicle lost control, hitting the Van Buren county sheriff unit.
Deputy Evans, the first officer that was that was on
scene, while checking on injured persons, had to jump into the median to avoid
being hit by this vehicle that had lost control. This collision pushed the
patrol unit approximately 10 feet.
During this time, a semi tractor unit jackknifed, lost
control and blocked both westbound travel lanes causing yet more crashes in this
area.
While additional officers were enroute to assist,
eastbound vehicles in this area also lost control, crashed which included that
of a Covert public schools bus occupied by 24 students, 1 of which was
transported to an area hospital for non threatening injuries.
Traffic in this area was detoured along I-94’s
emergency routes for several hours. As of this time, I-94 eastbound is still
closed from the Paw Paw exit (60) to the Mattawan exit (66). Motorist are urged
that in the event of a crash to avoid serious injury to stay in their vehicle
and await emergency personnel to advise them it’s safe to do otherwise.
Investigating officer:
Van Buren County Sheriff’s
Office and Michigan State Police.
Assisting Agencies: Paw
Paw Village Police, Hartford Fire Department, Coloma EMS, Van Buren EMS,
Hartford City Police, Mattawan Police, Lawton Police, Paw Paw Fire Department,
Lawrence Fire Department, Mattawan Fire Department.
Supervisor Contact:
On Duty Sergeant or Lt William Lux at 269-657-3101,
email.
Photos: Click here to view
37 photos.
Dec 2009
Incident Type:
(2) Stolen vehicles, (2) Recovered Stolen vehicles.
Incident Numbers: 9536-09, 9736-09
Date and Time: December
12, 2009 thru December 20, 2009.
Locations: Decatur area / Keeler area
Vehicles Stolen and Recovered:
2001 blue Chevy Prizm, 2006 maroon Chevy Impala.
Narrative:
Sheriff Dale R Gribler reports that deputies were dispatched
to a report of a stolen vehicle from the Keeler area on 12-20-09.
During the course of the investigation, a different
vehicle was located in a ditch within a 1/4 mile of the scene of the
crime. It was determined this vehicle was also stolen out of
the Decatur area on 12-12-09, driven to the Keeler area, at which
time, the suspect lost control putting the car in the ditch.
The suspect then abandoned that stolen car, ransacked numerous other
cars in the area and attempted to break into several other garages,
until he found an unlocked garage. The suspect then stole a
vehicle out of this garage as well as causing minor property damage
to the garage.
The second stolen vehicle was located on 12-21-09
at a location in Decatur.
The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office is asking if
anyone has any information on this crime please call the Sheriff’s
Office at 269-657-3101, Crime Stoppers 1-800-342-7867 or Silent
Observer.
Investigating Deputy:
Kevin VanBrussel
Incident #: 803010-09.
Incident type:
Search Warrants, Delivery of
Cocaine, Possession of Cocaine.
Date and
Time:
December
18, 2009 at approx 7:00 pm.
Locations: 1)
Red Arrow Bar, 106 E. St Joseph St., Lawrence Village, Van Buren County.
2) 116 E. St Joseph Street Apt 5, Lawrence Village, Van
Buren County.
3) Port of Call Trailer Park, 68304 CR 380 Lot 31, Geneva
Twp, Van Buren County.
Arrested:
Raul Garcia, 60 yr old male, South Haven, MI.
Charges: 2 counts of Delivery, Manufacture
Cocaine.
Pending Charge: Possession of Cocaine.
Mario Muniz, 34 yr old male, South Haven, MI.
Charges: 2 counts Delivery, Manufacture
Cocaine.
David Jackson, 30 yr old male, Lawrence, MI.
Charges: 1 count Delivery, Manufacture
Cocaine.
Information:
Sheriff Dale R. Gribler states the Van Buren
County Sheriff’s Office
Narcotics Unit has been conducting a three and a half month undercover
investigation into the Red Arrow Bar in Lawrence. The target of the
investigation was cocaine sales from the Red Arrow Bar.
The bar owners fiancé was identified as Raul Garcia,
who is an employee of the bar, along with other employees who were identified as
Mario Muniz and David Jackson. During this time, several controlled purchases
of cocaine had been made at the Red Arrow Bar from the employees.
Through the investigation, narcotics officers were led
to two additional locations. Narcotics officers were able to obtain search
warrants for those locations. Narcotics officers, along with deputies from the
Van Buren County Uniform Response Division, and two VBC K-9 units executed the
search-arrest warrants at all three locations.
Located at the Red Arrow Bar, were Raul Garcia and
Mario Muniz. Both were taken into custody. Located on Raul Garcia was
approximately three and one half (3.5) grams of cocaine along with $242.00 US
currency. A search warrant was executed at 116 E St Joseph St, Apt 5 in
Lawrence. Located inside the apartment was $941.00 US currency. At the same
time, another search warrant was executed at Port of Call Trailer Park Lot 31 in
the South Haven area. Seized at that location were documents and records.
Approximately a half hour later, David Jackson was located at his residence and
taken into custody on the outstanding warrant.
Michigan Liquor Control Commission (LCC) was contacted
to assist in furthering the investigation. Back in January 2009, a joint
investigation between the VBC Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit and the Michigan
LCC, was conducted at the Red Arrow Bar for illegal drug distribution and LCC
violations. At this time, the US currency was seized under the civil forfeiture
act.
The reports will be forwarded to the Van Buren County
Prosecutors office for additional charges.
All three suspects were transported to the VBC Jail and
lodged without incident.
Anyone with information can contact the Van
Buren County Sheriff’s Office at (269) 657-3101, Crime Stoppers 1-800-342-7867,
Silent Observer (269) 343-2100 or your local Police Department.
Assisting
Agencies:
Van Buren County Uniform Response Division, Van
Buren County K-9 Units, Michigan LCC.
Investigating Officers:
Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics
Unit.
Supervisor Contact:
D/Lt. Bryan R.
Stump D/Lt.,
Van Buren
County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, 205 S. Kalamazoo St., Paw Paw, MI 49079,
Phone (269) 657-3101 Ext 208, Fax (269) 657-5161,
email.
Nov 2009
Incident #:
8944-09
Date And Time:
Sunday, November 15, 2009 at approximately
9:01 p.m.
Incident Type:
Tri- County Fleeing and Eluding, Suicidal
Subject.
Venue:
M-43 (West Main) to South Haven, Calhoun,
Kalamazoo and Van Buren County.
Driver-suspect Information:
38 year old, Female from East Leroy, Calhoun County (Name to be released upon
arraignment)
Alcohol:
Alcohol
is believed to be a factor into the investigation.
Information:
Sheriff Dale R. Gribler reports that on Sunday November 15, 2009, at
approximately 9:01 p.m., Sheriff Deputies were contacted by the Kalamazoo County
Sheriff Department whom advised that they were currently in pursuit of a 2005
Nissan Murano. They were westbound on West Main heading towards Van Buren
County.
Sheriff Deputies took over the pursuit as it entered
into Van Buren County on M-43. Deputies were advised by Calhoun County Officers
that the driver, a 38 year old female from East Leroy, had inflicted harm to
herself by cutting her wrist and that she was going to go to South Haven and
jump into Lake Michigan.
Deputies continued pursuing the female on M-43 with
speeds over 100 mph at times. The female continued driving through the City of
Bangor. Sheriff Deputies were able to place Stop Sticks on M-43 and 16th
Avenue in South Haven Township. The vehicle struck the stop sticks on the front
drivers-side tire. The female continued westbound on M-43 and then turning
northbound on CR689. The vehicle attempted to turn at the T-Intersection of
CR689 and 8th Avenue, at which time the vehicle went into the ditch
due to the tire being slowly deflated from the stop sticks.
The driver was then taken into custody without
incident. The female was transported to South Haven Hospital for a medical
evaluation. The female was then transported to the Van Buren County Jail where
she was lodged pending arraignment in 7th District Court.
Assisting Agencies:
Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department,
Michigan State Police, Bangor Police Department, and the South Haven Police
Department.
Investigating Officers:
Deputy Travis Bernatche (269) 657-3101
ext. 831, Deputy Ben Downey (269) 657-3101 ext. 836, Sergeant Scott Schmitt
(269) 657-3101
Contact Information:
Sergeant Scott Schmitt, Uniform
Response-K9 Division at (269) 657-3101 ext. 801 or by
email.
Oct 2009
Incident #:
8349-09
Incident type arrests:
OWI (operating while intoxicated), failing to stop at a property damage crash, child
endangerment.
Date and Time:
October 28, 2009
at approximately 8:15 a.m.
Location:
Hartford and Lawrence Townships.
Driver arrested:
66 year old female Paw Paw Township woman (name withheld pending arraignment
in South Haven District Court).
Vehicle information: Buick LeSabre passenger car
Information:
Sheriff Dale R. Gribler reports that Van Buren 911 operators received calls of a
vehicle that had crashed into another at the main four intersection in the City
of Hartford.
The vehicle in question fled the scene eastbound on Red
Arrow highway. Van Buren Dispatch relayed this information to Hartford City
Police Officers, and Van Buren County Sheriff Deputies.
Further information was that the suspect vehicle
involved was being followed by a witness to this crash. As officers were in the
process of attempting to locate and stop this vehicle, which was reported to be
all over the road, another crash took place involving this vehicle striking a
Consumers Energy truck in the Village of Lawrence. The suspect vehicle, still
not stopping after this crash, proceeded southbound for another 2-3 miles to
where it was stopped by Sheriff deputies.
Its driver, a 66 year old Paw Paw Township woman was
arrested for OWI, failing to stop and identify from the two crashes she was
involved in, as well as child endangerment. The child she had with her was
her 3 year old great grandchild. Neither the arrested female, nor the 3 year
old were injured from the crashes.
Arresting officer:
Deputy Rich Wallace.
Assisting agency:
Hartford City Police.
Supervisor
contact:
On Duty Sergeant or Lt William Lux
email or at
269-657-3101.
Incident No:
8239-09, 8240-09, 8241-09, 8246-09.
Incident Type:
Car
Break-Ins with 13 victims at 5 different locations.
Locations:
American Legion on Red Arrow Hwy in
Hartford Township, Lake’s Bowl and Jack’s Tavern on CR 690 in Keeler Township,
Keeler Keg on CR 352 in Keeler Township and Jaco’s
Tavern in Village of Lawrence.
Date and Times Reported:
Between October
23, 2009 at 11:40 p.m. and
October 24, 2009
at 1:07 a.m.
Method of Operation:
All were smash and grab except one
Pick Up that they pried the toolbox open in the back of the truck and took
tools.
Items Stolen:
Checks, credit cards, radios, radar detectors, GPS systems and tools.
Information:
Dale R. Gribler reports that deputies were dispatched to 5 different locations
with 13 victims reporting that their vehicles had been broken into.
Deputies investigating these break-ins could not locate
any evidence at the scene of these crimes. At this point, it is unknown
what was used to break the windows out of the cars or what was used to pry open
the toolbox. It is believed that all break-ins are related but there are no
witnesses or evidence at this time.
Anyone with any information is
asked to call the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office at 269-657-3101, Crime
Stoppers at 1-800-speakup (773-2587).
Investigating Officers:
Deputies Stickels, Tarner and Wydick.
Contact Person: On
Duty Supervisor.
Jul 2009
Arrest Warrants Obtained -
July 24, 2009
Incident Type:
Multi-Jurisdictional Investigation involving:
Multiple Larcenies from Motor
Vehicles, Motor Vehicle Thefts, and Home Invasions in Van Buren County, Village
of Paw Paw and Kalamazoo County.
Date and Time:
Crime Spree occurring within the first
two weeks of July 2009.
Complaint Number:
Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office Complaints: 09-5194, 09-5169, 09-5171,
09-5253, 09-5254, and 09-5173.
Paw Paw Police Department Complaints: 09-1610, 09-1611, 09-1613, and
09-1676.
Michigan State Police (Paw Paw
Post) Complaint: 051-3490-09, 051-3491-09.
Location:
Four incidents, all within the 31,000 Block of Pawton Lane, Antwerp
Township, Van Buren Co.
One incident in the 61,000 Block
CR 653 in Antwerp Township, Van Buren Co.
One incident in the 58,000 Block of 48th Street- Lawrence
Township, Van Buren Co.
Several locations in the Village
of Paw Paw- 800 Block St. Joseph Street, 600 Block N.
Kalamazoo Street, 300 Block S. Van Buren St., and 300 Block of Birch
Lane.
Information: Sheriff
Dale Gribler reports that the Van Buren County Detective Bureau received a tip
that two individuals were staying at a residence in Van Buren County along with
stolen property. The follow-up investigation linked the two suspects (Howard &
Tabor) to ten open investigations in Van Buren County regarding stolen property,
stolen vehicles, and a home invasion.
The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, Paw Paw Police Department, and the
Michigan State Police (Paw Paw Post) had experienced a dramatic increase in
larcenies from motor vehicles, (3) motor vehicle thefts, and a home invasion
over a two day period of time from July 9, through July 10, 2009. On Friday,
July 10, 2009, a Detective from the Kalamazoo Township Police Department had
informed the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office that he had received a tip that
Howard & Tabor were staying at a home in the 32,000 Block of 56th Avenue
(Antwerp Township in Van Buren County). The tip information also stated that
there was stolen property at the home as well. Kalamazoo Township Police
Department also had Howard & Tabor as suspects in there investigation, along
with several related cases being investigated by Kalamazoo County Sheriff's
Office. The MO used by Howard & Tabor in the Van Buren County cases was also the
same MO being used in the Kalamazoo cases.
On July 10, 2009, Detectives and Deputies from the Van Buren County
Sheriff’s Office, along with a Kalamazoo Township Detective, made contact at the
residence and attempted contact with the two suspects. The suspects (Howard &
Tabor) fled on foot and a K9 track was utilized, however, they were located.
While officers were at the residence, property was observed linking back to a
Motor Vehicle theft earlier reported in Paw Paw on July 9, 2009.
A search warrant for the residence was drafted and executed on July 10,
2009. Over 70 pieces of property was seized from the residence which was
matched back to the above mentioned complaints being investigated by the three
police agencies in Van Buren County. Additionally, property was recovered from
within the home linking back to cases being investigated in Kalamazoo Township,
Kalamazoo County. The cases in Kalamazoo County are still being investigated.
On
July 24, 2009
the Van Buren County Prosecutor’s Office authorized a Five Count Felony Warrant
for each Howard & Tabor. Howard & Tabor are currently incarcerated in the
Kalamazoo County Jail after a short foot chase in Oshtemo Township on July 14,
2009. The suspects will be brought to Van Buren County for arraignment on the
Van Buren County charges.
Criminal Charges:
Count #1-Receiving & Concealing Weapon. 10 year Felony.
Count #2-Receiving & Concealing Stolen Property $1,000.00 or more, but less
than $20,000. 5 year Felony.
Count #3-Unlawful Driving Away of Motor Vehicle. 5 year Felony.
Count #4- Unlawful Driving Away of Motor Vehicle. 5 year Felony.
Count #5-Receiving & Concealing Stolen Property/Motor Vehicle.
Property Recovered:
The personal property reported stolen ranged from small electronics from
vehicles (radios/stereos, GPS units, cell phones), money, jewelry, game systems,
firearms either taken from vehicles and/or garages. Most of all the reported
stolen personal property has been recovered regarding these investigations.
Additionally, three vehicles were reported stolen and have since been recovered.
Suspect Information:
Douglas Edward Howard, white male, 01-28-1992, from the Kalamazoo area.
Marvin Lee Tabor, white male, 5-11-1990, from the Kalamazoo area.
** Suspects have not been arraigned on Van Buren charges
and are currently in the Kalamazoo County jail on other charges.**
Investigating Officers:
Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office - Detective Gabrielle Rought, (269)
657-7711
Paw Paw Police Department - Chief Patrick W. Alspaugh, (269) 657-5501
Detective Larry Haynor - Kalamazoo Township Police Department
Michigan State Police (Paw Paw Post) - Trooper David Ybarra, Trooper Paul
Plangger
Van Buren County K9 - Deputy Tony Evans
Supervisor Contact:
D/Lt. Bryan Stump, (269) 657-7711, D/Sergeant Tom Macyauski, (269) 657-7711
Bryan R. Stump, D/Lieutenant
Van Buren County Sheriff's Office
Investigative & Narcotic's Units
205 S. Kalamazoo Street
Paw Paw, Michigan 49079
Office (269) 657-3101 x 208 Fax (269) 657-5160
Tri-Net Office (269) 657-8296
Click here to send an email.
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