Shorter pleads guilty to 5 year felony

Gertrude A. Shorter pleaded guilty Monday to Failure to Stop at Scene of an Accident Causing Injury or Death.  Circuit Judge Philip E. Rodgers, Jr. accepted Shorter's plea involving the July 22, 2012 crash that killed 5 year-old Gavin Punter of Allendale. 

Punter was with his grandmother as she walked along S. Lakeshore Drive near Amore Rd. in Centerville Township at 8:39 am.  Shorter's vehicle struck the boy as he rode his tractor tricycle several feet off of the road.  He was killed instantly. 

Witnesses told investigators that Shorter returned to the scene, got out of her vehicle for a short time as bystanders were looking for the body of the boy, and drove away.  A responding Leelanau County Sheriff's deputy located Shorter several miles from the crash scene as she drove towards Lake Leelanau.

Judge Rodgers will sentence Shorter on June 24.

Mast and sails stolen from Elmwood Township porch

A homeowner in the 11000 block of S. West Bay Shore Drive reported Thursday that sails and a mast were stolen from the porch of their home.  The sailboat and trailer that the stolen items belonged to remained in the victim's yard untouched. 

If anyone has any information regarding the theft of the items please call the Leelanau County Sheriff's Office tipline at 231-256-8696 or tips@co.leelanau.mi.us.

Man arrested in Leelanau Township domestic assault

A 41 year-old Leland man was arrested Thursday after threatening his estranged wife.  The woman called police to her Leelanau Township home at 7:24 pm.  She reported that she was going through a divorce and her husband was acting threatening and breaking items around her.

Leelanau County Sheriff's deputies responded and arrested the man for domestic violence after interviewing the involved parties and a witness.  The suspect remains jailed pending release on a $1,500 personal recognizance bond.  Alcohol was involved in the incident and there were no injuries from the incident.

Deputies cite suspended driver

A 32 year-old Maple City woman was cited Thursday for driving with a suspended license.  Leelanau County deputies stopped the woman on W Traverse Highway near Hoxie Road for disregarding a traffic control device.  A driver's license check showed her license was suspended.  She was cited for the misdemeanor and driving without insurance and ordered to contact the court for an appearance date.

Missing teen returned home by police

A 16 year-old Empire Township runaway was returned home to her parents Wednesday afternoon.  The child's parents reported her missing on Monday, telling a Leelanau County Sheriff's deputy that they hadn't seen her since Saturday.  This is not the first instance of the child not returning home for extended periods of time.

The girl was entered as a runaway in a national database in case she had police contact out of the area.  Investigators believed she was in the Grand Traverse region with friends.  Efforts by Leelanau and Grand Traverse County deputies were unsuccessful in locating the missing girl since the report was received Monday.

Wednesday afternoon a tip was received that she was in the company of a 23 year-old Empire Township man.  Deputies went to his parents home and located the missing girl.  She was returned to her parents and a petition has been requested for incorrigibility.  The man was not arrested but charges of harboring a runaway, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and drug delivery are being requested.

                                             Rollover crash injures Cedar woman

A single car crash Tuesday afternoon sent the 18 year-old driver to the hospital.  The incident was reported at 2:37 pm on S. Good Harbor Trail south of Eitzen Road in Centerville Township.

Hannah M. Scott was southbound when she lost control of her vehicle, spun around on the paved portion and rolled multiple times off the west side of the road.  She was transported to Munson Medical Center by Cedar Rescue with incapacitating injuries.  Alcohol was not a factor in the crash.

Two drunk drivers arrested overnight

Leelanau County Sheriff's deputies made two Operating While Intoxicated arrests early Wednesday morning.  The first occurred at 10:55 am on S West Bay Shore Drive near Grandview Road.  A northbound driver was travelling completely over the fog line allowing other northbound cars to pass alongside.  A traffic stop was affected and the driver showed obvious signs of intoxication. 

The 55 year-old Plymouth woman admitted to drinking and failed all field sobriety tasks given.  She was placed under arrest and registered .14% on the Datamaster breath test.  She was released after posting $100 interim bond pending a Friday court appearance.

The second OWI arrest occurred at 2:56 am on W Traverse Highway near Bugai Road in Elmwood Township.  A car was stopped for defective equipment, specifically loud exhaust.  The 22 year-old Traverse City man shows signs of intoxication and also failed all field sobriety tasks given.  The man remains lodged pending bond posting after his .13% Datamaster breath result.

Busy weekend ushers in the summer season

The temperatures weren't quite there but activity certainly reached summer proportions over the Memorial Day weekend.  15 people were arrested from Friday through Memorial Day evening for a variety of offenses, most alcohol related.  There was one injury accident investigated and no major felonies reported.

Bingham Township man arrested for domestic violence

Leelanau County deputies were called to a Bingham Township address at 1:29 am Monday for a report of domestic assault.  Investigation revealed that a 33 year-old man attempted to pull his wife out of the open passenger door of a truck which was along the road in front of the marital home. The truck belonged to a male friend of the woman and the man was behind the wheel, attempting to drive away with the woman. 

The victim was mildly injured and her husband was arrested for Domestic Violence.  Alcohol was a factor.  The suspect was released from jail later in the day on $1000 personal recognizance bond.

Tribal Police traffic stop results in brothers going to jail

A Grand Traverse Band Tribal Police officer made a traffic stop in Suttons Bay Township Monday at 11:38 am that resulted in the arrest of two brothers.  There were warrants for Jacob O. Broome and his younger brother Silas R. Broome.  Jacob, 33 of Suttons Bay, was wanted on a Contempt of Court bench warrant for unpaid child support.  His bond is $550 or he is to serve 30 days in jail.

Silas, 25, of Traverse City, was arrested on a Tribal bench warrant concerning 5 counts of Contributing to the Delinquency of minors/ Child Neglect.  There was no bond on the warrant.  Both Broomes remain in the Leelanau County jail.

Elmwood Township man arrested for unpaid child support

Evan A. Jach, 29, was arrested after being stopped by Leelanau County deputies for a traffic violation.   The stop occurred at 2:48 pm Monday on Lake Leelanau Drive north of W Traverse Highway.   Jach was wanted on a Grand Traverse County Friend of the Court bench warrant.  He was turned over to GT deputies and taken to jail there.

Domestic Violence arrest made in Suttons Bay

A 32 year-old Suttons Bay man was arrested Monday afternoon for assaulting the mother of his child.  Investigation by Leelanau County deputies revealed that the two became involved in an argument so the man began to cut up an expensive pair of shoes the woman had given him.  He also wanted the key to a vehicle he had just purchased.  As the woman was removing it from her key chain, he grabbed the keys and pushed her down.  He pinned her on the ground until she bit him on the arm which resulted in him getting off of her.

The argument continued regarding ownership of the vehicle.  The man threw a rock into the windshied of the car in an attempt to prove ownership.  He was arrested for Domestic Violence Second Offense and remains jailed pending an appearance before the magistrate.  Alcohol was not a factor in this incident.

Tribal Police locate reported drunk driver

A citizen called in a reported drunk driver on S West Bay Shore Drive south of Suttons Bay Monday to Leelanau County dispatch.  Grand Traverse Band Tribal police located the vehicle as it turned into the Leelanau Sands Casino at 5:15 pm.  The car was identified by description and the registration plate that was given by the reporting party.

The 58 year-old Suttons Bay Township driver was intoxicated and he was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated after failing field sobriety tasks. His Datamaster breath test result was .12%.  He is free pending a District Court appearance after posting $100 interim bond.

OWI charges sought in afternoon crash

A single car crash sent a Peshawbestown woman to the hospital after she crashed into a tree Monday.  The accident was reported at 6:19 pm and occurred on N Roubal Road near Peshawbestown Road in Suttons Bay Township.  The southbound vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree.

The driver admitted to drinking two bottles of wine at a gathering prior to the crash.  Leelanau County Sheriff's deputies, assisted by GTB Tribal Police, investigated the incident.  A search warrant was obtained for the driver's blood alcohol content and the results are pending.  She was transported to Munson Medical Center by Suttons Bay Rescue with incapacitating injuries.

A charge of Operating While Impaired Second Offense is being sought with the Leelanau County Prosecutor.

Shots fired report ends in assault arrest

An initial report of gunshots in the Village of Suttons Bay turned out to be unfounded, but a 22 year-old Suttons Bay man was arrested for Assault and Battery and Resisting Arrest.  Leelanau County dispatch received a 911 call at 7:25 pm from a teenager indicting that his father was being assaulted and he heard a gunshot.  What the boy thought was a gunshot turned out to be a slamming door on another level of the residence.

Leelanau County deputies and Grand Traverse Band police responded to the scene and learned that the upstairs tenant of the building complained to the suspect who lived downstairs about loud noise and his dog at large.  The downstairs resident took exception to what was being said and began to assault the neighbor.  When police arrived, the upstairs tenant was holding down his attacker, waiting for law enforcement.  The man refused to cooperate with officers commands to stop resisting so he was tasered by a tribal officer in order to secure cooperation.  The man was then taken into custody and remains jailed for Assault and Battery and Resisting Arrest.  His blood alcohol level was .16% upon arrival at the jail.   He is awaiting a bond being set.

Drinking boater/driver arrested after confrontation

Leelanau County dispatch received a report of a fight brewing at 11:13 pm on Monday night.  The reporting party said a man ran his boat into the dock at Perrin's Landing and damaged boats and the dock.  An argument was in progress with the boat operator, the dock owner and several bystanders.  The boater was reported to be intoxicated.

Leelanau County Sheriff's deputies responded and determined that the 34 year-old Traverse City man not only drove the watercraft, but also his truck as he backed it onto the boat launch to attempt to remove his boat from the water.  An OWI investigation was conducted and after field sobriety task were done, it was determined that the man was intoxicated.

The suspect was arrested for Second Offense Operating While Intoxicated with a Datamaster result of .15%.  The prosecutor's office will make a charging decision regarding assault charges against the suspect as well. 

Loud party reports nets underage drinkers

A Lakeview Hills resident reported a loud party in a downstairs apartment to Leelanau County dispatch at 12:50 am Tuesday. Deputies responded and located a small group of holiday revelers, two of whom were under 21.  Two Traverse City women, 19 & 20 years of age, were cited for being Minors in Possession of Alcohol and were given 10 days to contact District Court. 

Sunday May 26, 2013

Suttons Bay Township man was warned not to drive

Friends warnings not to drive were not enough to keep a 33 year-old man from getting behind the wheel after drinking Sunday.  Leelanau County deputies stopped the man's truck on S. West Bay Shore Drive near Lakeview Hills at 2:25 am for erractic operation.  After the stop was made, another car containing friends of the driver stopped and told deputies that the man was drunk and they tried to convince him from driving.

Field sobriety tasks were given and the driver failed all tests.  He was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated and was transported to the Leelanau County jail.  His Datamaster breath test was .26%.  Charges of OWI with High Blood Alcohol Content > .17% will be sought.

The driver was released on $2500 personal recognizance bond pending a Friday District Court appearance.

Stuck car leads to OWI arrest

An unoccupied vehicle was reported to be stuck off of Grand Avenue near Cedar Street in Leland at 7:03 am Sunday.  The car was stuck in a ditch on the old county courthouse property. 

Leelanau deputies identified the driver, a 22 year-old Leland Township man, and located him asleep at his family home.  He told investigators he left a local establishment after 2:00 am and was too intoxicated to remember what happened to his vehicle.  
The driver still showed signs of intoxication and field sobriety tasks were administered.  He was then arrested for Operating While Intoxicated and had a Datamaster breath test result of .15% at 8:24am.  He was released later in the day on a personal recognizance bond with OWI and Failed to Report an Accident charges requested.

Arrest made for bond violation

Leelanau Dispatch received a tip at 9:07 pm Sunday regarding Bryan C. Niess, Jr., who was on bond through District Court.  The tip indicated that Niess was consuming alcohol in violation of his bond conditions.

Leelanau deputies went to a residence in Kasson Township and located the man and determined that he was consuming alcohol.  He was arrested on the violation and remains lodged without bond pending a Friday court appearance.

Niess was arrested on May 8 for Domestic Violence and Attempted Interfering with an Electronic Device in a case involving a family member.

Single car crash lands Livonia woman in Leelanau jail

At 10:56pm Sunday, Leelanau County deputies were sent to a rollover crash on S. Lake Leelanau Drive near Maple Valley Road in Bingham Township.  The uninjured driver of the Jeep was located walking in a nearby field.

 The 21 year-old driver denied drinking but smelled of intoxicants and failed field sobriety tasks given.  The driver also refused a blood test as requested so a search warrant was secured and the required sample taken at Munson Medical Center.  BAC results are still pending and the driver was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated.  She was released on a $1,000 personal recognizance bond pending a District Court appearance.

Saturday May, 25, 2013

Kentucky driver arrested

A 22 year-old Kentucky woman was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated after being stopped at 1:47 Saturday.  The car was stopped for driving erratically on S. West Bay Shore near Peck Road in Suttons Bay Township.  The driver showed signs of intoxication but said she hadn't consumed alcohol for 3 hours prior to driving.

After her arrest, the driver took the Datamaster breath test as requested with a .12% result.  She was released on $100 interim bond pending her initial District Court appearance Friday.

Traffic stop locates man wanted in Manistee County

A traffic stop in Solon Township by a Leelanau County deputy located a Cedar man wanted for Friend of the Court charges.  Steven J. Korson, 40, was arrested on the bench warrant after he was stopped on S. Cedar Road near Rudolph at 12:35 pm Saturday.  He continues to be held on $2,800 cash/surety bond pending pickup by Manistee County.

Cedar woman lodged for High BAC

A 43 year-old driver was stopped on W Traverse Highway near Harry's Road in Elmwood Township at 9:57 pm Saturday.  The vehicle was swerving across both the center line and fog lines. 

The driver admitted to drinking and failed 4 field sobriety tasks.  She was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated and will be charged with OWI High BAC >.17% after a Datamaster breath test of .19%.  She was released on $2,500 personal recognizance bond pending a Friday court appearance.

Four arrested on unrelated bench warrants

The following suspects were arrested Thursday and all are lodged in the Leelanau County jail:

Noodin Shomin, 24, Suttons Bay.  Arrested by Tribal Police on a bench warrant for Contempt.  Shomin has a court appearance Friday but is being held for Grand Traverse and Emmett counties as well.

William P. Shananaquet, 37, Grand Rapids.  Arrested in Kent County on 13th Circuit Court Friend of Court warrant.  Held on $800 bond or will serve 45 days.

Richard F. Yannott, 40, Suttons Bay.  Arrested by Tribal Police on Friend of Court warrant for unpaid child support.  $10,966 bond for Yannott's release.

Caryn J. Omey, 39, Cedar.  Arrested by Leelanau County Sheriff's deputies on Grand Traverse County bench warrant.  Taken to the Leelanau County jail and picked up by Grand Traverse County corrections.

First big weekend of the summer season upon us

With Memorial Day weekend here, motorists are reminded to use extra caution with an increased number of vehicles and more visitors to slow things down.  Give yourself extra room between you and the vehicle ahead to give time for unexpected stops.  Enjoy the extended weekend, pay special attention for motorcycles and bicycles so we can all arrive alive.

Elmwood Township man arrested for sexual assault

A 36 year-old man was arrested on a Second Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct charge Wednesday after a Leelanau County Sheriff's Office investigation.  He is accused of having sexual contact with a child less than 13 years old in 2008 at his residence.  The child was not a stranger to the suspect and disclosed the assault in early 2013.

CSC II carries a maximum 15 year penalty.  The suspect remains held in the Leelanau County jail pending a District Court appearance Friday.

Kent County man arrested on 2010 warrant

Jose Manuel Galvan-Porras was arrested in Kent County on a Leelanau County bench warrant Wednesday.  He was wanted after failing to comply with daily breath tests following a 2010 Operating While Intoxicated 2nd Offense arrest.  Galvan-Porras, 28 of Grand Rapids, was arrested after rolling his vehicle on Horn Road north of E Duck Lake Road in July 2010.  He was arrested for OWI II and had a Datamaster breath test result of .19%.

Galvan-Porras remains held without bond in the Leelanau County jail pending a Friday District Court appearance.

                                Car goes through intersection and hits retaining wall

A Glen Arbor woman told Leelanau County deputies that she fell asleep before running through a stop sign and striking a row of large boulders.  Patricia R. Bulliss, 74, was northbound on S Benzonia Trail in Empire Township at 6:13 pm on Tuesday when she went through the intersection of S. Glen Lake Road.  Her 2005 Buick Rendezvous went across a lawn and hit a protective rock wall which was constructed to prevent such a vehicle from striking the home at 8500 S. Glen Lake Road.  

Bulliss was transported to Munson Medical Center by Glen Lake Rescue for possible injuries.  The vehicle's airbag did deploy and the driver was restrained.  No one in the residence was injured and there was no damage to the home. 

A similar crash occurred on December 17, 2012 when a vehicle went through the same intersection, rolled over and into the dining room of the house next door to 8500 S. Glen Lake Road. No one in that home was injured.

Afternoon drunk driver arrested by MSP

A 75 year-old Cedar man is free on bond following his arrest Monday after driving off into the sand and getting stuck.  A citizen reported that the man had driven off Lake Michigan Road near Bohemian in Cleveland Township at 4:41 pm.  A Michigan State Police trooper responded and discovered the man had been drinking prior to driving into the ditch. He made an admission to drinking, failed field sobriety tasks and was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated.  His Datamaster blood alcohol result was .11%. 

Felony stalking probationer jailed

Melonie C. Baker was given 3 days in jail for contempt of court Monday.  Baker, 43 of Suttons Bay, is being supervised for 60 months following a guilty plea to Aggravated Stalking in December 2012.  

Elk Rapids woman arrested on Leelanau County warrant

A 19 year-old woman was arrested in Mecosta County Monday on a Leelanau County bench warrant.  Leelanau County corrections officers picked up Marie I. Mariani who failed to appear for a pre-sentence appointment in September 2012.  She pleaded guilty to Assault & Battery charges earlier in a Grand Traverse Band police case.  Mariani is being held without bond pending a district court appearance Friday.

Glen Arbor man arrested for PPO violation

A 21 year-old Glen Arbor man was arrested Sunday for violating a personal protection order.  The man and his 20 year-old wife were involved in a domestic violence situation in April at their home.  Warrant requests were submitted for both parties after an investigation by the Leelanau County Sheriff's Office.  The Leelanau County prosecutor is still reviewing the case.

As a result of the April incident, the woman obtained a personal protection order which, among other things, prohibited her husband from coming onto the marital property.  The man admitted he removed a vehicle from the property which was a violation of the court order.  He was arrested at a relative's residence late Sunday night after being interview by Leelanau County deputies.

He remains jailed without bond until he goes before the Circuit Court judge on Monday.

Saturday May18, 2013

Coat stolen at Asparagus Festival event

A woman reported to Leelanau County deputies that her coat and it's contents were stolen while she attended the Empire Asparagus Festival Friday night.  The black fleece coat contained cash, a credit card, cell phone and car keys.

If you have any information regarding the location of the coat or who is responsible for taking it, call the confidential tip line at 231-256-8696 or tips@co.leelanau.mi.us.

Friday May 17, 2013 

No muskrat love for well-intended woman 

A victim of an animal bite was reported to Leelanau County Dispatch Friday by a local medical facility.  Investigation by Leelanau County Animal Control indicated that the local woman was driving on N. Manitou Trail near Johnson Road in Leelanau Township Friday and saw a young muskrat running along the road.  Concerned that it would run into the road and be killed, she exited her vehicle and attempted to "shoo" the animal away from danger.  As she did so, the muskrat ran at her, bit her on the left foot, and ran across the road anyway.

The good samaritan was wearing sandals at the time and sought medical care when she believed the bite was becoming infected.  There was no need for rabies treatments as a result of the bite.

Citizens are reminded to leave wild animals alone and not to approach them, regardless of how cute or harmless they may appear.  If an animal is discovered injured, call Leelanau Dispatch and Animal Control or a deputy will be sent to assist.  There are animal rescue organizations that may take in injured animals as well. 

Agency assist nets two arrests

Leelanau County Sheriff's deputies arrested two men at their Elmwood Township home on outstanding warrants Friday night.  Responding to a tip that a wanted subject was at the S. West Bay Shore address, deputies went to the residence and located not one, but two men who had warrants for their arrest.

Scott A. Adams, 32, was arrested on an Iosco County Family Court warrant for failing to appear. He was taken into custody and released after posting $100 bond.

Todd E. Davison, 29, was arrested and later turned over to Grand Traverse County authorities.  There was a bench warrant for his arrest for contempt of court involving an Operating While Intoxicated High BAC conviction.

Cedar man arrested on GT County warrant

Kevin D. Rice, 24, was arrested Thursday by Leelanau County deputies on a Contempt of Court bench warrant out of 13th Circuit Court.  Rice was stopped for a traffic violation on S Cedar Road north of Cedar at 10:26 am.  A driver's license check revealed the Grand Traverse County warrant.

Rice was taken into custody and transported to the Leelanau County jail where he was able to post $350 bond in order to be released. 

Elmwood Township woman arrested for breaking into neighbor's house

Leelanau County Dispatch received an odd 911 call from a female on Mann Road in Elmwood Township at 1:26 pm Thursday.  She called 911 looking for a phone number to a business and was talking very quietly, as though to not be heard by others.  The strange way the woman was acting and the guarded way in which she responded to the dispatcher's questions led the 911 operator to believe something was not right.  Leelanau County deputies were send to investigate and arrived several minutes later.

As they arrived at the residence, they heard a female voice in the woods saying "I'm over here".  It turned out to be the woman who called 911.  She had entered a neighbor's home for an unknown reason and eventually called 911.  Nothing appeared to have been taken or was out of order in the neighbor's home.

The woman was intoxicated and was arrested for Home Invasion and Minor in Possession of Alcohol with a blood alcohol content of .14% upon arrest.  She remains lodged in the Leelanau County jail pending a bond hearing.

Rollover crash leaves driver uninjured but arrested

A rollover accident reported at 9:56 pm Thursday did not injure the 31 year-old driver from Elk Rapids but did land her in jail for Operating While Intoxicated Second Offense and Possession of Marihuana.  A passerby reported the crash which occurred on W. Empire Highway near Benzonia Trail in Empire Township.

The woman told deputies that a deer ran across the road which caused her to lose control and leave the roadway.  She appeared intoxicated and failed field sobriety tasks.  The man who reported the crash told investigators that the driver from the crash tried to give him her marihuana before the police arrived.  He refused her request and deputies discovered the drug during their investigation.

The driver's Datamaster breath test result was .13% and she remains lodged pending a District Court appearance Friday where a bond will be set.

Tribal Police arrest suspended driver

Grand Traverse Tribal Police arrested a 19 year-old Peshawbestown woman for driving with a suspended license Wednesday.  The car was stopped at 8:46 am on Beems-Kwa-Ma-Mi-Kun Rd. for having an expired plate.  The driver was taken into custody and remains jailed pending posting of $1,000 cash bond.

Single car crash reported north of Northport

A single car crash on E Woolsey Lake Road near N Seven Pines was reported at 6:25 pm Wednesday.  Driver Gregory B. Strausser, 63 of Tucson Arizona, told Leelanau County deputies that he felt a sharp pain in his leg while driving.  He looked down and then realized he was driving into the trees.  Strausser was not injured.

Passenger Steadman A. Parker, 89 of Northport, was transported to Munson Medical Center by Northport Rescue for injuries sustained in the crash.  A small dog that was in the vehicle was killed as a result of the collision.  Safety belts were worn by the occupants and alcohol was not a factor in the crash.

Elmwood Township motorcycle crash injures man

A 25 year-old Traverse City man was injured Wednesday when his motorcycle left E Cherry Bend Road near S Dalzell.  Justin G. Wolfe was westbound at a high rate of speed when his cycle left the west side of the road and he was ejected.  He was transported to Munson Medical Center by Elmwood Rescue and was cited for having an improper registration plate.

Leelanau deputies cite 2 for MIP

A traffic stop at 11:44 pm Wednesday netted minor in possession tickets for two Elmwood Township women.  They were passengers in a vehicle driven by James T. Tierney, 30, of Leland when he was stopped on E Crain Hill Road near Lou Len Drive for an equipment violation.

Investigation revealed that all three occupants had been consuming intoxicants.  Both females told deputies that they were 21 years old but it was learned that they were actually 19 and 20.  They were cited for being Minors in Possession of Alcohol and given court dates in 86th District Court. 

Tierney passed field sobriety tasks and was not arrested.

Cedar man arrested on Wexford County warrant

Leelanau County deputies arrested Myles A. Chapman, 29, at a home in Cedar Tuesday.  He was able to post bond on the misdemeanor charge and will appear in Wexford County District Court in the future.

Probationer surrenders on bench warrant

A 25 year-old Bingham Township woman turned herself in at the Leelanau County jail Tuesday after learning that there was a bench warrant for her arrest.  Emily A. Marek was on probation after an Operating While Intoxicated conviction and is accused of failing a court-ordered drug test.  She is being held without bond pending a Friday court appearance.

Warrant sought for suspended Northporter who drove to the jail

A report has been presented to the Leelanau County Prosecutor's Office after a 24 year-old Leelanau Township woman drove to jail to visit an inmate.  A corrections officer witnessed the woman drive into the parking lot and during visitor check in, learned that the driver's privileges were restricted.  Driving to visit an inmate was not included as an exemption to the restrictions.  The woman had a licensed driver in the vehicle with her.

Elmwood Township man arrested for OWI

Leelanau deputies stopped a driver for having a headlight out and discovered that he was intoxicated and driving on a revoked license.  The 39 year-old man was stopped at 10:22 pm Tuesday on E. Traverse Highway near Allgaier Road.  The man showed signs of intoxication and was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated after failing field sobriety tasks.  A driver's license check showed that his privilege to drive had been revoked by the State of Michigan.

He was released on a $5,000 personal recognizance bond pending a district court appearance.

Charges sought in embezzlement case

An embezzlement investigation has been turned over to the Leelanau County Prosecutor's office involving the theft by an employee at an Elmwood Township business.  The manager of the company called the Leelanau County Sheriff's Office Monday to report she believed an employee stole $100.  She provided video surveillance which supported her belief.

A deputy interviewed the 44 year-old suspect who admitted to taking the money.  Embezzlement under $200 is a 93 day misdemeanor.

Suspended driver ticketed

Deputies stopped a 29 year-old driver on Cherry Bend Road near Sylvia St. in Elmwood Township Monday at 9:50 am.  A license check with the Secretary of State showed that her privileges had been restricted and that she was driving outside of the restrictions.  She was ticketed for Driving with a Suspended License and given a District Court appearance date.

Suttons Bay man arrested on Kent County warrant

David D. Weese was arrested Monday by Leelanau County deputies on a Kent County Friend of the Court bench warrant.  Weese, 23, was taken to the Leelanau County jail until he was able to post bond later in the day.

Dock section washed up on Little Glen shoreline

A resident on the east end of Day Forest Road reported to Leelanau Dispatch Monday that a 6 foot section of dock washed up on their shoreline.  If you know who is missing the dock section call dispatch at 231-256-8800.

Traffic stop by Tribal Police nets arrest

A 31 year-old Suttons Bay woman was arrested for possessing marihuana after being stopped by Grand Traverse Band Tribal police.  The stop occurred at 1:11 am Sunday morning on N. West Bay Shore Drive south of Peshawbestown.

The woman will be charged in state court and was released after posting $100 interim bond pending a District Court appearance.

 

GT County arrests man on Leelanau contempt warrant

Austin Ray-Lee Floyd is being held in the Leelanau County jail after being arrested in Grand Traverse County.  He was wanted on a District Court bench warrant for failing to appear on a Minor in Possession charge. 

Floyd, 20 of Traverse City, was intoxicated at a Suttons Bay High School athletic event on March 8.  He was approached by a Leelanau County deputy who not only confirmed that Floyd was an intoxicated minor but that he was wanted in Grand Traverse County for failing to appear.  He was arrested on the GT warrant and cited for MIP with a .16% blood alcohol content.

He remains jailed until a District Court appearance on the MIP charge.

Suspended driver cited

A 21 year-old Glen Arbor man was cited for driving with a suspended license Sunday.  He was stopped at 9:28 pm on S. West Bay Shore Drive near Carter Road in Elmwood Township.  Since it was a first offense, the driver was cited and released and his car was impounded.  He will appear in District Court Friday.

Saturday May 11, 2013

Passed out driver arrested

A 32 year-old Traverse City man chose a bad location to sleep off a night out Sunday morning.  Leelanau County deputies were called to the 11000 block of S. West Bay Shore Drive in Elmwood Township at 5:52am to investigate a man passed out behind the wheel of a running car.  He was parked in the caller's driveway and was not known to them.

Deputies woke the man up who didn't know what time it was nor why he was parked in a stranger's driveway.  He said he was at a Suttons Bay bar earlier in the evening.  He could not explain fresh damage to the passenger side of his vehicle or a flat right front tire.  Deputies were unable to determine what the suspect struck to cause the damage.

The man was asked to perform field sobriety tasks due to his signs of intoxication.  He was then arrested for Operating While Intoxicated.  His Datamaster blood alcohol content was .16% at 7:13am.  He was released on bond later in the day pending a District Court appearance Friday.

 

Disregarded stop sign causes 2 car crash

A 68 year-old Suttons Bay woman was treated at Munson Medical Center for injures sustained in a 2 car crash at 10:22am Saturday.  The driver of the other vehicle, Jordan W. Durga, 26 of Traverse City, told Leelanau deputies that he didn't see the stop sign at Bingham Road and S. Center Highway. 

Durga was eastbound when he drove into the intersection without stopping and was struck by Elizabeth K. VanWesten of Bingham Township who was headed south.  Although Durga's vehicle was struck on the driver's side, he was uninjured.  Van Westen was transported to Munson Medical Center by Suttons Bay Rescue with unspecified injuries.

Both drivers were restrained and alcohol was not a factor.  Durga was cited for disregarding a traffic control device.

Cleveland Township home invasion reported

Leelanau County deputies are investigating a home invasion which was reported at 3:50 pm Saturday.  The homeowner told deputies that he found his front door window smashed after being gone for several hours.  Hunting and fishing items were among the property that was reported stolen.

If you have any information involving the theft or any suspicious activity or individuals near Narlock Road on Saturday please call the Leelanau County Sheriff's Office tip line at 231-256-8696 or at tips@co.leelanau.mi.us.

Traffic stop nets 3 arrests

A stop for erratic driving on S. West Bay Shore Drive near Lee Point Road resulted in three of the four occupants going to jail.  The stop occurred at 10:57 pm Saturday after a Leelanau deputy observed the vehicle swerving within its own lane and crossing the center line.

The driver, Juan P. Gonzalez, told the deputy that he did not have a valid license.  It was also learned that there were 2 warrants for his arrest.  One was a bench warrant for failing to appear regarding unpaid fines and costs from a 2008 drug delivery conviction.  The second for for failing to appear at a collection hearing from a 2nd Offense Domestic Violence case.  Gonzalez, 36 of Lake Leelanau, was lodged for DWLS and on the 2 warrants with a combined $2,402 bond.

His brother Juan J. Gonzalez, 34 of Traverse City, was arrested on a District Court bench warrant for failing to appear for arraignment on a Driving While License Suspended charge.  His bond is $500.

Another occupant, 23 year old Kaylah Mendoza of Elmwood Township, was also taken into custody for failing to appear at a previously scheduled collection hearing.  Her bond is $1,108, the unpaid fines and costs from a 2008 drug case. 

The suspect's vehicle was towed and the plate confiscated for 2nd offense DWLS.  The fourth adult passenger was not wanted so she and her 2 young children were picked up from the scene by a friend.

Friday May 10, 2013

Found bike belongs to someone

Check the Eyes and Ears section of this blog to help identify the owner of a boy's bike recovered Friday.

Honor man cited for driving suspended

A 55 year-old man was stopped by Leelanau County deputies on S Harbor Highway north of Empire at 8:43 am Thursday.  His driving privileges were suspended by the Secretary of State.  His vehicle was towed from the scene and he was given a district court appearance date.

Not all calls are as they seem

A citizen reported finding a large clear baggie with several smaller baggies filled with green material inside.  It was found Thursday along S West Bay Shore Drive in Bingham Township.  A deputy responded and determined that the substance was actually decomposing lettuce!  It was not known how or why the bags ended up along the road.

Glen Arbor Fire & Rescue received a call from a man who said he was sinking in quicksand.  There was no call back number available or a location where the man was located.  Sheriff's deputies and fire officials believed the call was a hoax.

A Leelanau Township man called to report that he was being threatened by another man who was blowing leaves across the street.  A deputy responded and spoke to the two parties.  No enforcement action was taken.

Suttons Bay man jailed for positive drug screen

A 43 year-old man who was convicted of 2nd offense OWI was jailed overnight for having a positive drug screen.  Jeffery A. Dailey was convicted in Sobriety Court after being arrested in April 2012 after crashing his car into trees on S. Lake Leelanau Drive near O'Brien Road in Suttons Bay Township.  His blood alcohol level was .24%.

Dailey was released Friday morning after spending the day in jail.  Weekly drug screens were increased to twice a week by the court.

Domestic violence arrest made Wednesday morning

A 26 year-old Elmwood Township man was arrested for Domestic Violence and Interfering with Electronic Communications Wednesday.  The man's wife called 911 shortly after 7 am to report that she and her husband were arguing about finances and she had been assaulted.  She also told Leelanau Dispatch that he had taken the phone from her and ended a previous 911 call.

The man posted bond and appeared in 86th District Court Thursday.  He remains free on bond with an order of no contact with his wife.

Two more grass fires reported

Dry conditions resulted in 2 more grass fires being reported to local fire departments.  Elmwood Fire Department was assisted by Suttons Bay Fire Department in extinguishing a grass fire on Lincoln Road west of Bugai Road at 1:30 pm Wednesday. 

A truck contacted an overhead power line which resulted in the fire and the accident was investigated by Michigan State Police.  A power outage occurred in Elmwood Township as a result of the grass fire but power was restored within two hours.

A second grass fire happened on Fritz Road in Kasson Township.  Cedar Fire Department extinguished a large grass fire near a home there.  There were no structures damaged or injuries as a result of the blaze.  The incident was investigated by the county DNR conservation officer.

 

Stolen firewood reported

Leelanau County deputies are investigating the report of 6 cords of firewood that were stolen from property on N. Scott Road in Leelanau Township.  The wood was taken in the last 2-3 weeks.  Anyone with information should contact the Leelanau County Sheriff's Office tip line at 231-256-8696 or tips@co.leelanau.mi.us.

Found watercraft on Big Glen Lake

A pedal boat was found washed up on the shore of Big Glen Lake Wednesday.  It is a Sun Dolphin 5-6 foot craft with no identification numbers on it.  If you know the owner of this property call Leelanau Dispatch at 256-8800. 

Woman arrested for probation violation

Nicole L. Taylor, 36, Suttons Bay, was arrested in Grand Traverse County Wednesday on a probation violation bench warrant.  She failed to appear at a hearing to determine why she had not paid $433.60 as ordered by the court. 

Taylor appeared in District Court today and was released with credit for time served and the understanding that the outstanding $433.60 will be paid by May 31, 2013.

Bear sighting reported in Leelanau Township

A resident on N Forest Beach Shores Drive in Northern Leelanau Township reported a bear sighting yesterday.  The call was received at 9:07 pm and the homeowner called Leelanau Dispatch to report a "very large bear" in her yard.  The caller did not feel in danger but simply wanted to make it known that there was a bear in the area. 

Residents in the Cherry Homes Subdivision should be aware of the possibility of a bear or bears in the area.

 

DTE warns of possible smell of gas in Suttons Bay

DTE officials said they have a crew doing gas line work north of the Village of Suttons Bay and there may be the smell of natural gas as a result.  Citizens are also reminded to slow down and proceed through the area with extra caution as the work crews work in and around the road right-of-way.

 

Grass fire in Centerville Township is a reminder of dry conditions

A grass fire was reported on Schomberg Road at 3:31 pm Tuesday.  Firefighters from the Cedar Fire Department were able to extinguish the flames which escaped from a burn pile at a residence.  No structures were damages and there were no injuries.

Citizens are reminded that there is a DNR ban on open burning in Leelanau County due to the dry spring conditions.  For more information on burning bans and outdoor fire safety go to http://www.michigan.gov/dnr

Rear end crash sends one driver to hospital

A two car collision on E Traverse Highway near Solon Road sent a Cedar woman to Munson Medical Center Tuesday.  The crash occurred at 1041 am.  An eastbound vehicle driven by Marie A. Noonan, 21, Empire, was stopped waiting to make a left turn.  Katie L. Drzewiecki, 21, Cedar, was unable to stop before striking Noonan's vehicle in the rear. 

Noonan had possible injuries but was not treated.  Drzewiecki was transported to Munson by Cedar Rescue for leg pain and was Drzewiecki was cited for Violation of Basic Speed Law.

Wanted SB man turns himself in

Joaquin R. Alfonseca, 36, surrendered at the Leelanau County Jail Tuesday on a felony probation violation warrant and unpaid child support.  Alfonseca was on Circuit Court probation after pleading guilty to Larceny in a Building involving an early morning breaking and entering at Barrels and Barrels party store in Suttons Bay.  Bottles of alcohol were stolen by Alfonseca and another Suttons Bay man.

Alfonseca was also wanted on a Friend of the Court warrant for unpaid child support.  Bond on the warrant is $3,908.  He will appear on both warrants today.

MSP arrests Maple City man

Michigan State Police troopers arrested Craig A. Tyndall, 39, on two Mason County warrants Tuesday.  Tyndall is being held in the Leelanau County jail pending transport to Mason County Wednesday.

Northport man sentenced on three cases

Benny Lopez Jr. has now been sentenced on three open larceny cases.  Judge Thomas Power sentenced him Monday to 10 months in jail for Larceny in a Building and to 97 days for Breaking and Entering.  He had previously been sentenced in District Court to 1 year in jail for Attempted Larceny in a Building.  All sentences will be served concurrently (at the same time).

Lopez, 29, pleaded guilty to stealing jewelry from a family member of the mother of his children.  He admitted to the theft to a Leelanau County Sheriff's deputy after the officer obtained surveillance video and pawn transaction reports showing Lopez selling the stolen jewelry.  The theft occurred in August 2012 and he said he did so to support a pain pill addiction.

He also pleaded guilty to breaking into his former employer, S & J Landscaping in November 2012.  He stole scrap metal and sold it to a Grand Traverse County scrap yard.  The transaction was captured on video surveillance and his photo identification was on the transaction receipt.  Lopez admitted to the theft when questioned by a deputy.

Lopez also confessed to stealing scrap metal from Cook Enterprises in Northport in November 2012.  He later pleaded guilty to Larceny in a Building.  Lopez confessed to stealing the metal and selling it along with the stolen scrap from S & J  Landscaping.

Leelanau County deputy Steve Bailey, who is assigned to Leelanau Township, investigated all three cases and obtained confessions to the crimes.  Restitution was ordered in all cases.

Technology and persistent victim help get stolen iPhone back

Leelanau County Sheriff's deputies helped the Michigan State University Police and a 21 year-old East Lansing woman locate and retrieve a stolen iPhone 5.  The victim called the Leelanau County Sheriff's Office Sunday to report that her phone had been stolen on Friday May 3 out of a dorm room on the MSU campus.  She reported the incident to MSU police and began to check for her phone location using an Apple phone location application.  She told a deputy that her phone had been shut off but was turned on for short periods of time.  When it was turned on, it showed a Jacobson Road address in Suttons Bay Township.

MSU housing was contacted and records showed that a 19 year-old female student with the same Jacobson Road address lived across the hall from the dorm room where the phone was stolen.  Deputies contacted the student at her family's Suttons Bay Township home and questioned her about the stolen phone.  She admitted to stealing the phone, retrieved it from her purse and turned it over to a deputy.  She said she was unable to gain access to the phone because it was password protected but had intended to convert it to her own use.

Further investigation by Leelanau deputies discovered that the suspect had posted "Anyone in LC (Leelanau County) that can jailbreak an iPhone?" on her Facebook page on Saturday May 4.

The report will be submitted to both the Leelanau County Prosecuting Attorney's office for Possession of Stolen Property as well as the Ingham County Prosecutor for Larceny in a Building.  Arrangements are being made to return the phone to the victim in East Lansing.  The suspect remains free pending a decision by both prosecutor's offices.

Three lodged for underage drinking

Grand Traverse Band Tribal Police arrested three Peshawbestown men who were discovered to have been consuming alcohol.  Tribal Police discovered some intoxicated subjects in the woods near McKeese Road on GTB tribal land at 12:53 am Sunday.  The three men, ages 18 and 19, were all taken into custody for being Minors in Possession of Intoxicants.  One of the 19 year-olds was also charged with Possession of Marihuana and Resisting Arrest.

Leelanau County Sheriff's Office deputies cited an 18 year-old Suttons Bay man for MIP as well.  The man had left the bonfire in Peshawbestown before Tribal police arrived and was discovered walking on Stallman Road near N. West Bay Shore Drive at 2:38 am.  He was cited but not taken into custody.

All the Tribal arrests bonded out after their blood alcohol levels dissipated pending future court proceedings.

2 car crash results in drunk driving arrest

A crash was reported on S. Cedar Road near Popa Road in Solon Township at 9:04 pm Sunday.  A 23 year-old Kingsley man told Sheriff's deputies that he was northbound on a right curve portion of S. Cedar Road.  On oncoming vehicle was completely in his lane which forced him to drive onto the shoulder to try and avoid a collision.  The vehicle still hit him on the northbound shoulder of the road and caused his minivan to roll over.  He sustained a cut to the head but denied treatment.

The southbound driver was interviewed and showed signs of intoxication.  The 31 year-old Maple City man claimed the minivan was in his lane but evidence at the scene proved otherwise.  He failed field sobriety tasks and was then arrested for Operating While Intoxicated with a High BAC >.17%.  The suspect had a Datamaster blood alcohol test result of .17%.

Saturday May 4, 2013

Speeder ticketed for driving suspended

A 29 year-old Cedar woman was cited for driving with a suspended license after she was stopped for speeding.  The stop occurred on S. West Bay Shore Drive near Cherry Bend Road in Elmwood Township at 3:05 am Saturday.  The driver had not been drinking but admitted that she knew her license was suspended.  Her vehicle was towed from the scene and she was released after being cited and given a court date.  A verbal warning was given for the exceeding the posted speed limit.

Friday May 3, 2013

 

Northport man injured in single car crash

A 66 year-old Leelanau Township man was slightly injured when his vehicle left N. West Bay Shore Drive and struck a sign.  The crash happened near E. Craker Road at 3:36 pm Friday.  Howard F. Charter told Leelanau County deputies that he was feeling ill before the crash and thinks he may have passed out.  His vehicle was southbound when it crossed the centerline and left the east side of the roadway, striking the Northport Retreat sign.  Charter was transported to Munson Medical Center for evaluation by Northport Rescue.  No citation was issued for the crash.

District Court sends three defendants to jail

Court proceedings Friday resulted in the following defendants being jailed;

• Kian M. Culloty, 26 of Traverse City.  Sentenced to 10 days in jail for Driving While Suspended, 2nd offense.  He was arrested on April 10, 2013 on W. Traverse Highway near Maple City Road in Kasson Township.
• Benjamin J. Bronson, 23 of Suttons Bay.  He was jailed for failing a urine screen after entering a guilty plea Friday.  He will be sentenced for Domestic Violence and Use of Marihuana on May 31.
• Cecilia A. Aguayo, 23, Suttons Bay, was sentenced to 90 days in jail after violating probation on Operating While Intoxicated charges.  She was arrested after crashing her vehicle on N. Jacobson Road near N. West Bay Shore Drive on December 1, 2012 at 4:35 am.

Circuit Court probationer jailed for failing to appear

David J. Ruth, 36 of Traverse City was arrested in Grand Traverse County Friday on a Leelanau County Circuit Court bench warrant.  Ruth failed to appear at a show cause hearing as directed to answer why he had not paid $2,198 in court ordered restitution.

He pleaded guilty to Using the Internet to Commit a Crime after being arrested in August 2011.  Ruth told Sheriff's deputies that he made a deal to beat up the boyfriend of a friend's ex-wife for $1200.  The potential victim told police that his girlfriend had learned that her ex-husband had hired someone to beat him up.  The woman showed her boyfriend Facebook pages where the conversation took place between her ex-husband and Ruth.  There were photos along with the chat between the two men.

When the victim saw a man approaching his business, he recognized him as the man on Facebook who was hired to beat him up.  The victim confronted the would-be assailant about the matter and Ruth turned and left.  The victim called 911 and Leelanau County deputies interviewed Ruth and the victim.

Ruth was originally charged with Assault to do Great Bodily Harm less than Murder and Conspiracy.  He pleaded guilty to the Internet crime in exchange for the original charges being dismissed.  He was sentenced to six months in the County jail on the 2 year Felony charge.

He remains held on $2,198 bond pending a Circuit Court hearing if no bond is posted.

Driver charged for leaving the scene of toddler's death

A 63 year-old woman was in court today after the Leelanau County prosecutor authorized charges in the 2012 death of Gavin Punter.  Gertrude A. Shorter of Maple City appeared for her initial court appearance after being contacted by the prosecutor and told of the charging decision.  She was released on a personal recognizance bond after being booked in at the Leelanau County jail.

Shorter is charged with Failure to Stop at the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Serious Impairment or Death, a five year felony.  She is accused of driving a vehicle which struck and killed the 5 year-old at 8:39 am on July 22, 2012.  He was riding a tricycle alongside his grandmother on the shoulder of  S. Lakeshore Drive in Centerville Township.  Accident investigation and witness interviews showed that the boy and his grandmother were walking legally against traffic along the northbound shoulder when the crash occurred.    

Woman arrested on bench warrant

23 year-old Beatrice L. Shananaquet of Traverse City was arrested Thursday on a bench warrant for failing to appear for arraignment.  She was originally given a court date after being charged with Driving without Security (Insurance) in February 2012.  She drove her vehicle into the ditch on S. West Bay Shore Drive in Bingham Township at 8:09 on February 27.  Shananquet did not appear at her original court date so the bench warrant was issued.

She was released on a $100 personal recognizance bond after being booked in the Leelanau County jail.

Suspended driver nabbed in Elmwood Township

A 54 year-old Elmwood Township man was cited for Driving with a Suspended License Thursday.  He was stopped by a Leelanau County deputy on Cherry Bend Road for having a registration plate that had been expired for 14 months.  A license check revealed that the man's driving privileges had been suspended by the Secretary of State.  He was released after being giving a court appearance date and having his car towed from the scene.

May arrives quietly in Leelanau County

There was nothing of note to report.  Some of the calls given to Leelanau County Sheriff's deputies were;

• 7 traffic stops
• 2 animal complaints- 1 bite and 1 welfare check
• 3 reported traffic violations, 2 involving speeding motorcycles in Elmwood Township
• Prisoner transport to Jackson
• 2 unfounded business alarms
• Found driver's license and other wallet items returned to the owner in Elmwood Township
• 2- 911 hang up calls
• An assist to Munson Medical Center to contact a recently released patient to immediately return to the hospital
• A civil dispute involving one person raking leaves behind the trees and another neighbor shoveling them back onto the first person's property

Another day to be thankful for no serious crimes, crashes or injuries in Leelanau County.

Felony probationer lodged

Brandon B. Kurzweil, 31 of Suttons Bay, was arrested Tuesday on a probation violation.  He pleaded guilty to Operating While Intoxicated 3rd offense in May 2012.  Charges of Possession of Open Intoxicants and being a Habitual Offender were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.  He was sentenced to 10 months in the county jail but was released early to enter the Community Corrections program.

Kurzweil was stopped for an equipment violation and erratic driving on S West Bay Shore Drive near San Remo in Elmwood Township at 1:23 am on March 10, 2012.  After showing signs of intoxication and failing field sobriety tasks, he was arrested for OWI.  The suspect's two 6 year-old children were with him at the time of the stop.  His Datamaster breath test result was .25%.

He remains lodged pending a court appearance before sentencing Circuit Court judge Thomas Power regarding the probation violation allegations.

Leelanau's Wanted subject arrested

Manuel Tapia Jr. was arrested in Grand Traverse County on April 15 and is now lodged in the Leelanau County jail with no bond.  He was one of the original Leelanau's Wanted suspects posted on the Leelanau County Sheriff's Office blog.

Tapia, 20 of Traverse City, was wanted for failing to appear for a probation violation show cause hearing.  He had pleaded guilty to OWI and Driving with a Suspended License 2nd offense in May 2012.  He was arrested on May 4, 2012 at 3:55 am on S West Bay Shore Drive in Elmwood Township.  A court ordered blood test showed his blood alcohol level was .238%.

He remains lodged without bond pending a District Court appearance Friday.