May 6, 2008
Incident Type
Hit and Run
Date and Time
5/6/2008 at 5:45 AM
Location
M-43 near 22nd St
Incident #
80236-08
Driver #1
Dirk Stapert, 34 years old, Gobles, seatbelt was used
Vehicle #1
1998 Ford Taurus, red in color
Suspect Vehicle
Dark Green Passenger Vehicle
Alcohol
It is unknown if alcohol played a factor in this crash
Information
Sheriff Dale R. Gribler reports that deputies were dispatched to a two-car PDA crash on M-43 near 22nd St. in Almena Township. Upon arrival the suspect vehicle, which was west of the victim’s vehicle on M-43, left the scene before deputies were able to make contact with the driver or get a good description of the vehicle. The suspect vehicle was last seen traveling westbound on M-43. There was extensive damage to the victim’s vehicle and there is most likely a good deal of damage to the suspect vehicle. The suspect vehicle is dark green in color and is missing the driver side rearview mirror. Mr. Stapert was eastbound on M-43 when vehicle #2 crossed over into Mr. Stapert’s lane, sideswiping his vehicle. There were no injuries sustained by the victim. It is unknown if the driver of the suspect vehicle sustained any injuries from this crash. If anyone has any information on this crash we are asking you to please contact the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office at 269-657-3101.
Investigating Officer
Deputy Greg Pentland
269-657-3101 Ext. 822
Supervisor Contact
Sgt. Wayne Polomcak
269-657-3101 Ext. 805
polomcakw@vbc.org
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May 3, 2008
Incident
Operating While Intoxicated 2nd Offense (OWI)
Driving While License Suspended 2nd Offense (DWLS)
Transporting Open Intoxicants in a Motor Vehicle
Child Endangerment
Allowing an Unlicensed Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle
Possession of Open Intoxicants in a Motor Vehicle
Date & Time of Incident
Friday, May 2, 2008 at 7:15 PM
Location of Incident
CR 215 & CR 388 (Grand Junction), Columbia Township
Incident #
80165-08
Driver Arrested
35-year-old Mattawan woman (name withheld pending arraignment)
Passengers
58-year-old Mattawan man
4-year-old juvenile female
Injuries
No injuries reported
Hospital Information
The 58-year-old Mattawan man was transported to Lakeview Hospital for evaluation due to his high level of intoxication
Criminal Charges or Traffic Citations issued
The 35-year-old Mattawan woman was charged with OWI 2nd offense, DWLS 2nd offense, transporting open intoxicants in a motor vehicle and child endangerment. Her blood alcohol content was approximately 3 times the legal limit.
The 58-year-old Mattawan man was charged with possession of open intoxicants in a motor vehicle and allowing an unlicensed person to operate a motor vehicle. His blood alcohol content was approximately 5 times the legal limit.
Narrative
Deputies observed a green GMC Suburban traveling southbound on CR 215 near CR 388. Deputies stopped the vehicle for a loud exhaust system and erratic driving. Deputies noticed that the driver and passenger both appeared to be highly intoxicated. The driver was placed under arrest for OWI and DWLS. The passenger was placed under arrest for allowing an unlicensed driver to operate a motor vehicle and possession of open intoxicants. While searching the vehicle, deputies located a 4-year-old juvenile in the back seat along with an open beer under a blanket near the child. Both the driver and passenger were lodged at the Van Buren County Jail. Child Protective Services was contacted and assisted with the disposition of the 4-year-old.
Investigating Officers
Deputies Ron Douglas and Travis Bernatche
269-657-3101
Contact Person
Please call the on duty sergeant at 269-657-3101
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May 2, 2008
UPDATE
On May 1, 2008, deputies from the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office Uniform Response Division arrested Fred Taylor and his son, Jason Taylor, on outstanding Felony Warrants involved in a search warrant, which was executed on February 7, 2008. Both were lodged at the Van Buren County Jail. Both were arraigned in 7th District Court in South Haven on May 2, 2008.
ARRESTED
Frederick Taylor, male, 51-years-old, Grand Junction, MI
CHARGES: 2 counts delivery of heroin; 1 count possession of heroin
Fred Taylor is being held on a $100,000 bond
Jason Taylor, male, 27-years-old, Grand Junction, MI
CHARGE: 1 count possession of heroin
Jason Taylor is being held on a $20,000 10% bond
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April 29, 2008
INCIDENT TYPE
Possession of Marijuana/Warrant Arrest
DATE AND TIME
Tuesday, April 29th, 2008 at approx. 5:30 pm
LOCATION
66301 CR 681, Hartford Township, Van Buren County
INCIDENT#
80097-08
SUSPECTS
Eric White, M/40 years-old, Paw Paw, MI; CHARGES: Misdemeanor Warrant for Contempt of Court, Possession of Marijuana and Driving on a suspended license
Roger Gibbs, M/45 years-old, Lawrence, MI; CHARGES: Misdemeanor Traffic Warrant
INFORMATION
Sheriff Dale R. Gribler reports narcotics detectives observed Eric White in a vehicle at a convenience store. Detectives are familiar with White and knew he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The vehicle was surveilled leaving the store and pulling into a driveway down the road. Detectives immediately pulled in behind the vehicle and observed White get out of the driver seat and flee on foot. A small foot chased ensued and White was taken into custody behind the residence. White was patted down and a small baggie of suspected marijuana was found in his front pocket. The passenger of the vehicle, Roger Gibbs, also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest and was taken into custody. Both of them were transported to the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office and lodged, pending arraignment. Assisting the Narcotics unit were deputies from the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office Uniform Response Division and Decatur Police Department.
INVESTIGATING OFFICERS
Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit
SUPERVISOR CONTACT
Lieutenant Bryan Stump
(269) 657-7711 ext. 208
stumpb@vbco.org
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April 24, 2008
INCIDENT TYPE
Car vs. Motorcycle Personal Injury Accident
DATE AND TIME
April 24, 2008 at approximately 4:12 pm
LOCATION
CR 380 West of 59 ½ St, Geneva Township
INCIDENT #
79968-08
DRIVER #1
James Taylor, 52 years old, Grand Junction, MI
INJURIES TO #1
Taylor complained of leg pain and sustained numerous scrapes and bruises
MOTORCYCLE #1
’01 Harley Davidson
PASSENGER #1
Sundra Taylor, 42 years old, Grand Junction
INJURIES TO PASSENGER #1
Sundra Taylor sustained minor injuries
DRIVER #2
Eunice Kent, 57 years old, Bangor, MI
INJURIES TO #2
Eunice Kent sustained no injuries
VEHICLE #2
’01 Pontiac Montana
PASSENGER #2
Jeffery Kent, 34 years old, Bangor, MI
INJURIES TO PASSENGER #2
Jeffery Kent sustained no injuries
ALCOHOL
Alcohol was not a factor in the crash
INFORMATION
Sheriff Dale R. Gribler reports that Deputies were dispatched to CR 380 West of 59 1/2 Street in Geneva Township for a report of a Car vs. Motorcycle Personal Injury Crash. During the course of the investigation it was found that the driver of the Pontiac Montana, Eunice Kent, had pulled into a residence in the 59000 block and began backing out of the driveway onto the roadway. Taylor was headed West bound on CR 380 on his Harley Davidson motorcycle. Kent did not yield, causing a collision between the vehicles. James and Sundra Taylor were ejected from the Motorcycle, however both were wearing helmets. James Taylor was transported and treated at South Haven Community Hospital. Eunice Kent was cited for Failing to Yield and No Proof of Insurance. Assisting Deputies at the scene were South Haven Area Emergency Services and Bangor Fire Dept. The investigation is closed at this time.
INVESTIGATING DEPUTIES
Deputy Kyle Romeo and Deputy Ben Ludwig
(269) 657-3101 ext. 810
SUPERVISOR CONTACT
Lieutenant William Lux or the on duty Sergeant
(269) 657-3101
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INCIDENT TYPE
Personal Injury Crash
DATE AND TIME
Thursday April 24, 2008 at approximately 4:48 pm
LOCATION
Almena Road (CR 375) and VanKal (22nd Street), Almena Township
INCIDENT #
79970-08
DRIVER #1
Gina Munn, W/F 35 years, Paw Paw, no injuries
VEHICLE #1
2004 Dodge Ram Pickup
DRIVER #2 (Motorcyclist)
Bruce Bauger, W/M 46 years, Paw Paw
INJURIES TO #2
Mr. Baugher was transported to Bronson Hospital for injuries
VEHICLE #2
Honda Shadow, Motorcycle
ALCOHOL
Alcohol was not a factor in the crash
INFORMATION
Sheriff Dale R. Gribler reports that deputies were dispatched to VanKal and Almena Road for a 911 call reporting a car versus motorcycle traffic crash with injuries. Upon arrival, investigation determined that Baugher was westbound on Almena Road when a northbound pickup being operated by Munn stopped at the stop sign, however proceeded northbound through the intersection, not observing Baugher on the motorcycle. Baugher was unable to avoid the northbound pickup, which he struck on the passenger’s side, ejecting him off of the motorcycle. Baugher was transported to Bronson Hospital by Life EMS with non-life threatening injuries. Munn was cited by deputies for failure to yield to oncoming traffic. Assisting Deputies at the scene were Oshtemo Fire Department, Mattawan Quick Response, Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Department, and Life Ambulance. The investigation is closed at this time.
INVESTIGATING DEPUTIES
K9 Deputy Scott Schmitt
(269) 657-3101 ext. 801
Deputy Matthew Konkle
(269) 657-3101 ext. 833
SUPERVISOR CONTACT
On Duty Supervisor or Lt. William Lux
269-657-3101
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April 18, 2008
INCIDENT TYPE
Personal Injury Accident
DATE AND TIME
April 17, 2008 at approximately 5:18 pm
LOCATION
I-94 (eastbound) just west of CR 652 (Mattawan), Antwerp Township
INCIDENT #
79752-08
DRIVER #1
Kendall Rusco, 28 years, Dewitt, MI
INJURIES TO #1
Rusco complained of hand pain, but refused medical treatment
VEHICLE #1
03 Honda Pilot
DRIVER #2
Shirley Deboer, 58 years, Paw Paw
INJURIES TO #2
Deboer received facial and neck injuries, sought medical treatment on own
VEHICLE #2
00 Chrysler 300 4-door
ALCOHOL
Alcohol was not a factor in the crash
INFORMATION
Sheriff Dale R. Gribler reports that Deputies were dispatched to I-94 just west of the Mattawan exit for a 911 report of a personal injury crash. Investigation determined that traffic was slowing/stopping for an accident on I-94 eastbound, near the Oshtemo exit when a vehicle being operated eastbound by Kendall Rusco failed to observe the slowing/stopped traffic. Rusco was unable to stop or maneuver his 2003 Honda Pilot, rear ending a 2000 Chrysler being operated by Shirley Deboer, who was stopped due to the backed up traffic. Eastbound I-94 was shut down for a brief period due to a second vehicle rear-ending a Semi Tractor/Trailer during the investigation of the first reported crash. Traffic was re-routed at the Paw Paw exit for eastbound traffic. Assisting Deputies at the scene were Mattawan Quick Response, Michigan State Police and Van Buren Emergency Medical Services. The investigation is closed at this time.
INVESTIGATING DEPUTIES
K9 Deputy Scott Schmitt
(269) 657-3101 ext. 801
SUPERVISOR CONTACT
Lieutenant William Lux
(269) 657-3101 ext. 203
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April 14, 2008
INCIDENT
Traffic Stop Arrest & Two Consent Searches
DATE & TIME
Monday, April 14th at approximately 4:15 PM
VENUE
Traffic Stop: 65 1/2 Street & 56th Avenue, Van Buren County
Consent Search: 100 Maple Hill Village, lot #132, Hartford
Consent Search: 314 Franklin Street, Hartford
COMPLAINT #s
8002363 & 8002364-2008
SUSPECT
41 year-old male from Hartford
CHARGES
Driving while license suspended (1st offense)
Possession of marijuana with the intent to deliver (felony)
EVIDENCE SEIZED
Approximately 5 pounds of suspected marijuana with a street value of $5,000 (Traffic Stop)
Approximately 2 pounds of suspected marijuana with a street value of $2,000 (Lot #132)
Approximately ½ pound of suspected marijuana with a street value of $500 (Franklin Street)
$297.00 in U.S. currency
2004 Chevy 2/D vehicle
INFORMATION
Sheriff Dale R. Gribler reports that the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, Uniformed Response, Tri-County Narcotics Enforcement Team (Tri-NET) and the DEA Grand Rapids Office received information that the occupants of the Franklin Street and Lot #132 locations were trafficking in controlled substances. Surveillance of the two locations resulted in the traffic stop of the 41 year-old male on 65 ½ street at the intersection of 56th avenue.
The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office Uniform Response deputy observed a traffic violation of the suspect in the 2004 Chevy 2/D on 65 1/2 St. Upon making contact with the driver, the deputy observed a plastic bag containing 5 clear zip-lock bags with the suspected marijuana on the front passenger seat. The deputy found that the driver was driving on a suspended and/or no license. Consent searches were obtained by the Tri-Net and Van Buren County Sheriff’s Narcotics detectives, with the additional 2 1/2 pounds of marijuana and currency being seized.
The investigation is continuing into the distribution/sales of marijuana. Anyone with information on this investigation and/or any other crime can contact CRIME STOPPERS at 1.800.342.7867 or SILENT OBSERVER 269.343.2100. The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office number is 269.657.3101.
ARRAIGNMENT
The suspect will be arraigned in the 7th District Court on Tuesday, April 15th
INVESTIGATING OFFICERS/AGENCIES
Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit
Van Buren County Uniform Response
Tri-County Narcotics Enforcement Team (Tri-NET)
DEA Grand Rapids Michigan Office
INVESTIGATING OFFICERS
Deputy Jason Stasienko, K9-804
Detective Page, Tri-NET (Berrien Co. S/O)
Detective Small, Tri-NET (Cass Co. S/O)
D/Sgt. Dietz
D/Sgt. McCulfor
CONTACT SUPERVISOR
Bryan R. Stump, D/Lieutenant
Van Buren County Sheriff's Office
Investigative & Narcotics 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
Email: stumpb@vbco.org
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April 13, 2008
INCIDENT
Minors Possessing Alcohol/Fight in Progress
LOCATION
42562 County Road 653, Paw Paw, Almena Township
DATE
Saturday April 12, 2008 at approximately 2:16 AM
ARRESTED/SUSPECT INFORMATION
Female, 37 years, Paw Paw
Male, 18 years, Lawton
Male, 16 years, Mattawan
Female, 18 years, Bloomingdale
Male, 19 years, Paw Paw
Female, 16 years, Bloomingdale
Female, 16 years, Grand Junction
INFORMATION
Sheriff Dale R. Gribler reports that on Saturday, April 12, 2008 at approximately 2:16 am deputies were dispatched to 42562 County Road 653 for a 911 call of subjects fighting with baseball bats. Upon arrival, deputies located minor individuals who were under the influence of alcohol. Investigation determined that numerous minors from Mattawan, Paw Paw, Lawton, Bloomingdale and Grand Junction were having a party where alcohol was brought to the party. A motorist who was driving on County Road 653 had an object thrown at his vehicle and upon stopping to investigate was assaulted by several different males who were in attendance of the party. The property owner, a 37 year-old female, was on scene and was subsequently arrested for Resisting and Obstructing Deputies during the investigation and for allowing a place for minors to consume alcohol. Deputies arrested the minor individuals for consuming/possessing alcohol. All individuals over 17 years of age were lodged at the Van Buren County Jail and those under 17 years of age were released into the custody of their parents. Assisting deputies at the scene were the Paw Paw Police Department. The investigation is active and anyone with information is asked to contact the Van Buren County Sheriff's Office at (269) 657-3101.
INVESTIGATING DEPUTIES
K9 Deputy Scott Schmitt
(269) 657-3101 ext. 801
Deputy Greg Pentland
(269) 657-3101 ext. 822
SUPERVISOR CONTACT
Sergeant Wayne Polomcak
(269) 657-3101 ext 805
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April 6, 2008
INCIDENT TYPE
Personal Injury Crash
DATE AND TIME
April 5th, 2008 at approximately 2:40 PM
LOCATION
Intersection of CR 665 and 24th Avenue in Waverly Township
INCIDENT #
79458-08
DRIVER/INJURIES #1
Ryan Larue, 20 year-old man from Bloomingdale. Driver was wearing his required safety belt and was uninjured.
VEHICLE #1
Larue was operating a 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix that sustained significant damage during the crash
DRIVER/INJURIES #2
Nancy Bowers, 39 year-old woman from Bloomingdale. Driver was seat belted in, but sustained injuries to her which required her to be transported by ambulance to Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo for treatment. She was listed in good condition.
VEHICLE #2
Bowers was operating a 1997 Mercury passenger car that sustained significant damage during the crash
INJURED PASSENGERS IN #2
Front seat passenger Amanda Bowers, 17 year-old from Bloomingdale, was wearing her seatbelt but sustained trauma to her body, which resulted in her transport by ambulance to Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo for treatment. She was listed in good condition.
ALCOHOL/SPEED
Neither were factors in this crash
INFORMATION
Sheriff Dale R. Gribler reports that Van Buren County Sheriff deputies, along with additional emergency services personnel, were dispatched to the intersection of CR 665 and 24th avenue for a report of a two-vehicle personal injury crash. Emergency responders on scene found two occupants in the 1997 Mercury passenger car, Nancy and Amanda Larue, in need of advanced medical care to which both were transported to Bronson Hospital for treatment for injuries. Investigation into the crash found that Ryan Larue had been traveling eastbound on 24th avenue and failed to yield the right of way at the posted intersection of CR 665, where he pulled out into the path of Nancy Bowers’ vehicle, which was northbound on CR 665. Sheriff Deputies cited Ryan Larue for failing to yield the right of way.
INVESTIGATING OFFICERS
Sergeant David Walker/Deputy Ben Ludwig
Uniform Response Division
269-657-3101
CONTACT PERSONS
On-duty Sergeant or
Operations Lieutenant William Lux
657-3101
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March 28, 2008