Cool weather keeps things quiet

Cooler temperatures have kept things quiet in Leelanau County over the last several days.  No arrests were made or serious crime reports taken in the last 24 hours.  Deputies did make 19 traffic stops, assisted 2 motorists, took a trespassing and a loud party complaint and the nightly call of fireworks being shot off at 4 locations.

Traffic stop leads to 4 MIP tickets

A Leelanau County Sheriff's deputy stopped a car for travelling 84 miles an hour at 11:31 pm Monday.  The stop occurred on E. Traverse Highway near Cedar Run Road in Kasson Township.

When the deputy made contact with the 4 occupants from Traverse City, he determined that all had been consuming alcohol and were under 21 years of age.  Minor in Possession of Alcohol citations were issued to a 17 year-old, two 18 year-olds and a 19 year-old.  

The driver was determined not to be intoxicated and was given a speeding ticket in addition to the MIP.

 

Bingham Township man injured in crash

An early morning crash near Peshawbestown sent a 42 year-old Traverse City man to Munson Medical Center.  Shawn K. Busby was southbound on N. Jacobson Road near Pobuda in Suttons Bay Township at 2:05 am Saturday when his vehicle left the roadway and struck a large tree.  He was transported by Suttons Bay EMS with incapacitating injuries.

There was airbag deployment and Leelanau County deputies determined that alcohol was a factor in the crash.  A blood test was conducted at the hospital  to determine the driver's intoxication level.

Two taken to hospital after early morning crash

David D. Wilson, 55, of Bellaire and his passenger Frank J. McGraw, 43, of Eaton Rapids were taken to Munson Medical Center by Suttons Bay EMS after a 2:55 am crash Sunday.

Wilson was driving south on S. Lake Leelanau Drive near Whispering Hills when his vehicle left the roadway, hit a road sign and rolled onto its top.  Wilson told Leelanau County deputies that a deer ran across the road and he lost control trying to avoid the animal.

Alcohol was not a factor in the crash which had airbag deployments.

Interlochen man arrested on drug delivery charges

A 21 year-old man was arrested Friday for selling marihuana to a confidential informant of the Traverse Narcotics Team.  The criminal complaint alleges the man sold two quarter ounce packages of marihuana to the informant at Holiday Station Store in Elmwood Township in July 2012.  The second charge stems from a similar 1/2 ounce sale which occurred at Tom's West Bay parking lot in August 2012.

Delivery of Marihuana is punishable by a maximum 4 years in prison. The man's bond was set at $25,000 cash.  He remains jailed pending a Friday court appearance.

Traverse City man arrested for probation violation

Leelanau County Sheriff's deputies arrested Ethan C. Carlino at 10:10 pm Saturday in Solon Township.  He was wanted by Grand Traverse County for a probation violation stemming from an Operating While Intoxicated Second Offense conviction.

Carlino, 32, was booked into the Leelanau County jail before being picked up by Grand Traverse County corrections officers.   There were no charges in Leelanau County.

TWO ARRESTED AFTER ATTEMPTED ROBBERY

The Leelanau County Sheriff Office arrested two suspects after an attempted robbery at the Speedway Gas Station, 13020 South West Bayshore Drive, in Elmwood Township.

On Friday, 7/26/13, at 0125hrs, Leelanau County Dispatch received a call from the attendant at the Speedway Gas Station that a male suspect had just attempted to rob the gas station.  Information was transmitted that the suspect had fled the scene southbound on South West Bayshore Drive towards Traverse City.  A Leelanau Sheriff's patrol observed the suspect vehicle southbound near the M22/M72 intersection and attempted to pull the vehicle over.  The vehicle failed to yield to the police vehicle and continued eastbound on the Grandview Parkway and south onto Division Street.  The Vehicle was stopped at the intersection of Front Street and Division Street and the two occupants were taken into custody.  Traverse City Police assisted in the arrest.

During the investigation it was determined that a male suspect entered the Speedway Gas Station with a gray shirt on his head covering his face except for his eyes.  The suspect approached the male gas station attendant at the counter and demanded money stating "give me the _____ money".  This statement was made twice to the attendant.  The attendant, an off duty deputy with the Leelanau Sheriff's Office working at the station, moved away from the suspect around the counter at which time the suspect fled the store to a waiting vehicle.  The attendant immediately called 911 giving a description of the suspect vehicle.  This vehicle was a tan Saturn parked on Grandview Road.  The vehicle, driven by a female suspect then fled the scene. Deputies observed the vehicle southbound and a short pursuit began before the vehicle was stopped at Front and Division Streets in Traverse City and the suspects were arrested.

The male suspect, a 32 year old from Traverse City, was arrested for attempted unarmed robbery and habitual offender.  He has two prior armed robbery convictions out of Emmet County and the Petoskey area as well as several other convictions for lesser crimes.  The female suspect, a 41 year female from Traverse City, was arrested for conspiracy to commit unarmed robbery, attempted unarmed robbery,  operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, fleeing and eluding police and driving on a suspended driver's license.  Both suspects were lodged in the Leelanau County Jail pending formal charges.

Arrest made in Pleva's Meats break-in

22 year-old Taylor J. Yaster of Traverse City has been arrested for breaking into Pleva's Meats in Cedar.  The break in occurred in the early morning hours of December 17, 2012.  Yaster was a suspect early on in the investigation. 

Grand Traverse County detectives believed he was involved in break-ins in that county as well and were able to secure a search warrant for Yaster's family home in Solon Township.  Detectives from Leelanau and Grand Traverse County searched Yaster's home on January 24, 2013 and located the cash register and cash box missing from Pleva's.  Yaster later confessed to a Grand Traverse detective that he broke into Pleva's.  He said he acted alone.

Yaster is also being held on felony breaking and entering charges in Grand Traverse County.  In Leelanau County he is charged with a 10 year felony, Breaking and Entering with Intent to Commit a Felony, for the Pleva's break-in.  The nearly $600 reported stolen was never recovered.

2 Probation violators arrested

Two probationers were arrested Wednesday in unrelated cases.  Christopher L. Seymour, 58, of Traverse City was lodged for Failing to Appear at a Show Cause hearing and for being intoxicated when reporting to his probation officer.  He was a .087 at 9:45 Wednesday morning.

Seymour is on probation for Felonious Driving.  He was northbound on Co. Road 651 north of Alpine Road at 8:33 pm on August 26, 2008.  Seymour was unable to negotiate the curve and his van left the roadway, striking a woman who was in the ditch relieving herself.  She suffered a broken back and broken ribs after being struck by Seymour's van.

Seymour was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated and had a Datamaster breath test result of .23%.  He later pleaded guilty to Felonious Driving, a 2 year high court misdemeanor.  He served 12 months in jail and was on 5 years supervised probation when arrested.  He remains jailed pending a Circuit Court appearance next week.

Laura A. Whitmore, 22, of Traverse City was sentenced to 3 days in jail for a probation violation.  She pleaded guilty to Operating While Intoxicated after a May 2013 arrest in Suttons Bay Township.

Suttons Bay woman surrenders after failing to appear

Samantha A. Miller, 19, surrendered at the Leelanau County jail Wednesday on a misdemeanor bench warrant.  She was wanted after failing to appear on a Minor in Possession charge.  Miller was a passenger in a car who's driver was arrested for OWI.  Miller, of Suttons Bay, showed signs of alcohol consumption and was cited for being a Minor in Possession.

Miller remains jailed with a $100 bond.

Two warrant arrests made

Leelanau County Sheriff's deputies and Michigan State Police arrested two men on unrelated bench warrants yesterday.  Deputies arrested Nathaniel J. Baker, 30, of Empire on a Grand Traverse County warrant.  He was transported to the Leelanau jail and picked up by Grand Traverse deputies later in the day.

Troopers arrested Michael G. Widmaier, 46, at his Northport home on a Friend of the Court bench warrant.  Widmaier was transported to the Leelanau jail and will serve 30 days if $250 bond is not posted.

Thompson sentenced to prison for sexual assault

Stanley E. Thompson, 73, of Traverse City, was sentenced to 14-24 months in Department of Corrections yesterday.  Thompson pleaded guilty to Criminal Sexual Conduct 4th degree, a 2 year high court misdemeanor. 

Leelanau County detective began to investigate in November 2012 the allegation that Thompson had sexual contact with a child under 13.  After a forensic interview of the victim and admissions from the suspect, Thompson was charged with Criminal Sexual Conduct 2nd degree, a 15 year felony.

Thompson remains jailed without bond pending transfer to Southern Michigan Prison in Jackson to begin serving his sentence.

Another kayak rescue undertaken

Leelanau dispatch received the report of a kayaker who needed to be rescued Monday.  The call came in at 1:41 pm and the report was that a 73 year-old woman was in Lake Michigan 1/8 mile off shore.  She was in Sleeping Bear Bay off of the Cannery at the end of M-209 in Glen Arbor Township.  It was reported that she was unable to  get the kayak back to shore and did not have a personal floatation device on.

Leelanau Sheriff's Office marine division was dispatched, as well as Glen Arbor Fire Department rescue boat, United States Coast Guard with assistance from National Park Service on shore.  Before all rescue units arrived, the woman was able to get to shore safely.

This was the same general area which an 8 year-old boy and his father capsized earlier in the month.  The boy perished after spending an extended time in the water.  He was wearing a life jacket.

Citizens are reminded of the danger associated with small vessel use in Lake Michigan and to always wear a PFD, regardless of the current weather conditions.

Late night paintballers do damage

A citizen on Johnny St. in the Birch Point trailer park reported that two window were shot out in her van early Monday morning.  She heard a vehicle speed off at that time and learned later in the morning that two of her vehicle windows had been broken.

Leelanau County deputies responded and discovered that numerous paintballs had been fired throughout the park and appeared to have been shot from a vehicle that was driving through.  No other vehicle damage was discovered.

Anyone with information concerning who may have been shooting paintball guns in Bingham Township on Sunday night/ Monday morning is asked to contact the Leelanau County Sheriff's Office at 256-8800, Tipline at 256-8696 or tips@co.leelanau.mi.us.

Busy summer weekend but little serious crime

Leelanau County Sheriff's Office had a busy weekend but it was without any serious injury crashes or major crimes reported.

Deputies made 47 traffic stops and policed 6 car/deer crashes, in addition to controlling traffic for the Fishtown Preservation 5K race, and having a presence at the Wine on the Water wine festival in Suttons Bay and the Anchor Day parade and street dance in Empire.

Man on bond arrested again

A 52 year-old man on bond for domestic violence is in jail again.  Timothy P. Chapman, of Maple City, was originally arrested on June 27 at his parent's Cleveland Township home for assaulting family members.  His bond included no contact with family members, daily breath tests and no use of alcohol.

On Friday, family members reported Chapman had called the family home in violation of bond conditions and a personal protection order which had been obtained.  He was also reported to be drunk and beligerent at a Glen Arbor business Sunday. 

Leelanau deputies arrived in Glen Arbor in response to the disorderly person call and found Chapman intoxicated and in possession of alcohol.  He was arrested for the bond violation and PPO violation after admitting to calling his family to inquire about his child.  He remains jailed without bond pending a District Court appearance. 

Lake Leelanau man's crash may have been related to bee sting

A 66 year-old Leland Township man ran his vehicle off the road and struck a tree Saturday.  The crash occurred at 2:37 pm on S Lake Leelanau Drive near Bingham Road in Bingham Township.

Dale L. Couturier told deputies that he felt dizzy as he turned north onto S. Lake Leelanau Drive from Bingham Road.  He was going to pull over but went off the right side of the road and struck some trees first.  Couturier said he was stung by a bee prior to becoming dizzy.

The driver said he was not injured and refused medical treatment.  Alcohol was not a factor and no citation was issued.

Leland Township man arrested for Driving Suspended

A 20 year-old man was arrested for Driving While License Suspended after being stopped for speeding Saturday.  He was stopped on N. Manitou Trail near Sugarbush at 6:50 pm.  A license check showed that his privileges were suspended and restricted after an Operating While Intoxicated conviction.

He was arrested rather than cited since it was a second offense DWLS.  The man was released after posting $100 interim bond.

                                            Farmhand injured in when lift truck hit

A 74 year-old farm worker was slightly injured when the lift truck carrying a load of cherries was struck from behind by an SUV.  The crash happened on Bugai Road at the Hoxie Road intersection at 11:39 am Thursday.  Robert Freeman of Elmwood Township was driving a lift truck with a box of cherries north on Bugai and was struck from behind as he turned West onto Hoxie Road.  The vehicle that struck Freeman was driven by Robert C. Underhill III, 33, of Suttons Bay. 

Underhill told Leelanau County Sheriff's deputies that he saw the farm machinery ahead of him but was going too fast and hit the rear of the equipment.  Freeman was thrown from the lift truck and landed in the middle of the intersection, receiving cuts and scrapes.  He was transported to Munson Medical Center by Northflight EMS.  Underhill was uninjured but received a citation for Failure to Stop in Assured Clear Distance Ahead.

                                 Early morning crash hospitalizes 19 year-old driver

A single car crash at 2:50 am Friday morning sent the 19 year-old driver to Munson Medical Center with incapacitating injuries.  The incident occurred on S. Bow Road near Gilbert Road in Empire Township. 

A resident on Bow Road called Leelanau dispatch to report the sound of what was believed to be a car crash.  The caller said two people were standing near the vehicle and one of them eventually walked into the woods.

Deputies responded and determined that Kadi L. Baarstad, of East Lansing, was driving north at a high rate of speed and was unable to negotiate a curve.  There was no sign of braking and the vehicle left the roadway and struck a large tree.  Both airbags in the vehicle deployed.  Baarstad was transported to Munson Medical Center by Glen Arbor Rescue.

Baarstad said Paige R. Pickard, 19, Glen Arbor, was a passenger in her vehicle but she didn't know where Pickard went. It was unknown if Pickard was injured in the crash.  Attempts by emergency workers to locate her in the area were unsuccessful.

Pickard's parents were contacted to inform them their daughter was involved in a crash.  They said they had been in contact with her and she said she was alright.  The parents later told deputies that their daughter did not want to talk to deputies at that time. 

Alcohol was a factor in the crash.  Probable cause existed to request a blood test and one was conducted as part of the investigation.  The case will be presented to the Leelanau County Prosecutor for review. 

Four state parolees jailed

Four parolees being supervised in several jurisdictions were lodged Thursday in the Leelanau County jail
on parole detainers for probation violations.


Terry L. Welch Jr., 40, Traverse City.  On probation out of Kent County for Criminal Sexual Conduct 2nd degree.

Richard G. Shenoskey, 29, Grand Rapids.  On parole in Kent County for Operating While Intoxicated 3rd offense.

Shawn C. Worley, 29, Traverse City.  On parole out of Benzie County for Breaking and Entering and Larceny in a Building.

Terrance J. Pickard, 39, Traverse City.  On parole in Grand Traverse County for Delivery of Marihuana and Delivery of Cocaine < 25 grams.

Rash of larceny from cars reported in Elmwood Township

The Leelanau County Sheriff's Office is investigating numerous thefts from vehicles in southern Elmwood Township.  A resident on Regal St. called the Sheriff's Office at 2:12 am Thursday to report that she observed someone enter her vehicle as she sat on her unlit porch.  She was able to describe the vehicle as a dark, possibly blue, hatchback.  A 6 foot tall male wearing basketball shorts and no shirt ran north across Cherry Bend Road.   Nothing was taken from her vehicle.

8 more thefts were either reported by citizens or discovered by deputies in the same general area.  Reports were taken on S. Bayview Drive, Highpoint Drive, Sunset Drive and Regal St.  Only unlocked vehicles were entered and no forced entry has been reported.  A list of property that may have been stolen will not be available until the respective reports are completed.

Citizens are reminded to lock all vehicles, regardless of where they are parked.  Most potential thieves are deterred by something as simple as locking a door.

Anyone with information of these thefts or needs to report another vehicle break in is asked to contact the Leelanau County Sheriff's Office at 231-256-8800.  Tips can be called into the Confidential Tipline at 256-8696 or tips@co.leelanau.mi.us.

Two Bingham Township crashes leave 4 injured

Two unrelated crashes occurring less than an hour apart sent three people to Munson Medical Center for treatment.  The first crash happened on S Lake Leelanau Drive near Bingham at 3:18 pm.  Julio C. Ramirez, 19, of Elmwood Township, told Leelanau County deputies that he must have fallen asleep and crossed the centerline.  Ramirez's southbound vehicle struck a northbound car driven by Nicole L. Siddall, 41, of Leland.

Ramirez suffered minor injuries but was not transported.  Siddall was taken to the hospital by Suttons Bay Rescue.  Ramirez was cited for driving without insurance

A second crash occurred at 4:09 pm on S. West Bay Shore Drive near Spyglass Ridge.  Arla C. Woodcock, 86, and passenger Glenn A. Woodcock, 75, both of Traverse City, were transported to Munson Medical Center by Suttons Bay Rescue after their vehicle left the roadway, hit a guardrail and rolled over.

Deputies determined that Woodcock was driving north and attempted to avoid hitting a vehicle in front of her that had slowed to turn onto Spyglass Ridge.  The vehicle left the right side of the roadway, struck a guardrail and roller onto its top in the middle of S. West Bay Shore Drive.  No citations were issued in the crash.

3 arrested Wednesday on outstanding warrants

The following subjects were arrested and taken to the Leelanau County jail Wednesday;

Tera D. John, 32, of Suttons Bay.  Arrested by Grand Traverse Band Tribal Police on a Tribal bench warrant.  John failed to appear at a show cause hearing stemming from unpaid fines and costs for Driving While License Suspended.  She was released after posting $180 bond.

Daymen D. Johnson, 28, Detroit.  Johnson was picked up by Leelanau County corrections officers in Gratiot County after being arrested for failing to appear on a Driving While Suspended 2nd Offense charge.  The incident occurred in January 2013 in Elmwood Township.

Beverly D. Polmann, 43, Elmwood Township.  Polmann was arrested on a Grand Traverse County warrant for Assault and Battery.  She was released after posting $100 interim bond.

Second Lake Michigan death in July reported

The second water-related death off the Leelanau County shoreline occurred yesterday.  Leelanau 911 received a call at 4:00 pm from a resident on N. Omigisi Beach Road in Leland Township.  The caller reported seeing a capsized kayak 100 yards off shore in Lake Michigan.  He reported seeing a man floating with a life preserver on and another man in the water who didn't have a personal floatation device.

Dispatch immediately paged out Leland Rescue, Leelanau Marine officers and requested Coast Guard air search support from Sault St. Marie.  Leland Rescue launched their rescue boat and began searching in the area the boaters were last seen in.  Deputies were sent to N. Omigisi Beach Road and met with the man in the kayak who was wearing a PFD who had made his way to shore.

Dale M. Hathaway, 81 of Northville, told deputies that he and Robert J. Womac, 70, of Belleville, went out on the kayak from Womac's summer home off of Leland Woods Drive in Leland Township.  The lake was relatively calm when they set out and Hathaway said he was wearing a PFD and Womac was not.  They paddled north along the shoreline for approximately 1 mile and at about the time they decided to return back, a wave capsized the kayak.  He said the wind had picked up and the lake was becoming choppier.  Hathaway was able to make it to shore uninjured after about 45 minutes in the water.

A Coast Guard helicopter that was doing a land search near Harbor Springs was diverted to assist in searching for Womac.  Leland Rescue and Sheriff's marine officers searched the area where the victim was last seen.  Sheriff's deputies and fire fighters searched the waters from shore for Womac.  Glen Arbor Fire also sent a rescue boat to assist.

At approximately 4:55 pm, after searching for 15 minutes, the Coast Guard helicopter located the victim about 100 yards off shore.  Marine officers and Leland rescue members retrieved the victim from11 feet of water.  He was transported to Leland Harbor by Glen Arbor rescue and then taken to Munson Medical Center by Leland ambulance.  Rescue personnel determined that resusitation was not a viable option.   

A post-mortem examination will be conducted by Leelanau County Medical Examiner Matthew Houghton, D.O. on Wednesday to determine cause of death.

This is the second water-related death in the Leelanau County waters of Lake Michigan in July.  On July 1, 8 year-old Stephen W. Osler of Ann Arbor died after he and his father capsized in a rented canoe on the return trip from S. Manitou Island.

Alpena County "really" wanted Traverse City man

Leelanau County deputies responded to the report of a man going through trash containers in Elmwood Township looking for metal Tuesday afternoon.  Tommy J. Flat, 40, was located and after a warrant check, deputies found out that they hit the jackpot.  Alpena County had 16 warrants for Flat in addition to two other warrants in other jurisdictions.  There were no local charges for Flat so he was picked up by Alpena County officers later in the day.

Wanted Lake Leelanau man arrested in Grand Traverse County

Ryan M. Colvin, 31, was arrested in Grand Traverse County Tuesday on a Leelanau County bench warrant.  Colvin failed to appear for a scheduled bench trial earlier in July on a charge of writing a Non-sufficient Funds Check under $100.  He remains jailed on $200 bond.

Unwanted patron arrested in Empire

A 31 year-old Empire man chose not to listen when he was asked to leave a local restaurant Tuesday evening.  Leelanau County deputies were sent to respond at 8:56 pm. for the report of an unwanted patron who was drunk and being confrontational with other patrons.  The man was asked to leave the establishment by employees but refused to do so.

Deputies arrived and the man became confrontational and disorderly with them outside of the business.  He was arrested for being a Disorderly Person, Driving while License Suspended and Malicious Destruction of Police Property after kicking out a patrol car window after his arrest.  He remains jailed pending bond being set by the magistrate.

MDOP of Police Property carries a maximum penalty of 4 years in prison.

Suspended driver arrested

A traffic stop for speeding landed a Traverse City man in jail.  The 43 year-old driver originally gave the Leelanau County Sheriff's deputy a fictitious date of birth in an attempt to conceal the fact that his license was suspended.  Leelanau Dispatch was able to learn the man's correct birth date and discovered he was not supposed to be driving.

The driver was arrested for Driving With a Suspended License 2nd Offense and posted $100 interim bond after being taken to jail and booked.  He will appear in District Court Friday.

Pedestrian injured after colliding with truck

A 49 year-old Traverse City woman suffered a broken ankle after her leg was run over by a pickup truck.  Dania C. Cannon was on the sidewalk of an Elmwood Township business waiting to walk her bike east across S. West Bay Shore Drive.  Shane M. Digiovanni was waiting for southbound traffic to clear so he could make a right turn onto S. West Bay Shore Drive.

Digiovanni, 26 of Williamsburg, did not see Cannon to his right and pulled out when traffic allowed him to do so.  While doing so, his vehicle ran over Cannon's leg, breaking her ankle.

Cannon was transported to Munson Medical Center by Elmwood Rescue.  No citations were issued for the incident which occurred on private property.

Man who shot at dog sentenced

A Leelanau Township man will be sentenced on July 25 after pleading guilty to Careless Discharge of a Firearm under $50.  John R. Lindenau, 76, admitted to shooting at a neighbor's dogs in June.  The sentence will be deferred if there are no further arrests in the year following sentencing.

Careless Discharge of a Firearm under $50 is punishable by a maximum 90 days in jail.

Busy days in court and Leelanau County jail

Some recent Circuit and District Court action is listed below:

Odalys C. Azcarraga, 50, Suttons Bay, given 3 days in jail for Contempt of Court, stemming from a conviction for Operating While Intoxicated and Possession of Marihuana.

Jeffrey L. Gibbs, 24, Suttons Bay, arrested on a bond violation.  Released after posting 10% of $1,500 bond pending further tribal court action on the Domestic Violence charge.

Dennis R. Conley, Jr, 22, Suttons Bay, sentenced to 3 days in jail by Circuit Court for probation violation, specifically giving a false drug drop.

Brooke A. Murphy, 31, Elk Rapids, sentenced to 5 days in jail after pleading guilty to OWI 2nd and Possession of Marihuana in a plea arrangement.  She was also given 1 year probation, daily breath tests and 4 monthly drug screens.

Christopher M. Sleeman, 30, Bingham Township, arrested for violation of a Personal Protection Order by having prohibited contact with the protected party.  Released after posting 10% of $1,500 bond pending further court action.

Darryl D. Cook, Jr., 26, Kentwood, sentenced to 60 days in jail for Contempt of Court for unpaid child support.  May be released if $750 is posted.

Brandon M. Morio, 24, Traverse City, arrested for probation violation on OWI conviction.  Jailed pending a Friday court appearance.

Shanda R. Hendershott, 25, Honor, sentenced to original 90 days in jail after community corrections failure on Larceny Under $1,000 conviction.

Ronald L. Pickard, 51, Kalkaska, sentenced to 30 days in jail for Contempt of Court for unpaid child support of $5,325 in arrearages.  May be released if $1,050 posted.

 

 

Car into trees may result in OWI charge

A crash was reported at 12:14 am on Sunday on Trumbell Road near Wheeler in Cleveland Township.  Leelanau County Sheriff's deputies responded and found a 25 year-old Cedar woman with injuries from the crash.  Cedar Rescue transported the driver to Munson Medical Center. 

The driver told investigators she swerved to avoid two deer in the road.  Alcohol was a factor in the crash.  A warrant request has been made to the Leelanau County Prosecutor for Operating While Intoxicated.

Parents gone, party busted

Neighbors in an Elmwood Township neighborhood called the Leelanau County Sheriff's Office at 1:07 am Sunday morning to report an unusually high number of cars coming and going on a dead end road.  Deputies responded and made contact with a vehicle leaving the dead end occupied with 4 people.  It was determined that some of the occupants had been drinking alcohol and were under 21.

Deputies were able to make contact with the two siblings who were in charge of a home while their parents were gone for the evening.  They told investigators that a few friends were invited over and the word spread without their knowledge or permission.  They said they did not allow drinking or provide any alcohol.

Four misdemeanor citations were issued for Minors being in Possession/Consumption of Alcohol.  Charges are being sought for the two underage female sisters who were in charge of the home.

3 MIP tickets written from Solon Township party

After wrapping up the MIP party in Elmwood Township, Leelanau Deputies headed to Solon Township to investigate the report of another party involving minors and alcohol.  A parent of a Traverse City teen reported that there were minors drinking and using drugs at a Rudolph Road home.

Deputies responded and cited 3 minors for Minor in Possession/Consumption of Alcohol.

Suttons Bay man arrested for assault and property damage in Northport

A Northport business owner called Leelanau Dispatch at 2:04 am Sunday morning to report a man was breaking things in front of the building and was making threats of bodily harm.  Deputies arrived and contacted the man who was intoxicated.  He said he was getting divorced and was hitting a tree.  The business owner said the man broke over $200 worth of merchandise outside the store and when confronted, the man made threats to the owner.  The man locked himself in his business and called the Sheriff's Office.

The 31 year-old Suttons Bay Township man was arrested for Assault and Malicious Destruction of Property under $1,000.  He remains jailed pending bond being set by the magistrate.

Cedar man surrenders on 2 warrants

A 33 year-old Cedar area man surrendered to the Leelanau County jail after learning of a warrant that was issued for his arrest.  Leelanau County deputies investigated a domestic violence report on July 9.  The suspect fled the scene before officers arrived.

There was also a Friend of the Court warrant for the man involving another woman.  He was released on $3,000 personal recognizance bond on the Domestic Violence charge and posted $550 on the FOC warrant.  He will appear Friday in District Court.

MSP arrests man for OWI

Michigan State Police assisted Elmwood Rescue with a sick man call on Sunset Drive near Cherrybend Road at 3:56 pm Saturday.  A local business called Leelanau Dispatch to report a man vomiting in his vehicle.  Rescue responders were sent, as was law enforcement.

It was determined that the man was intoxicated, with a preliminary breath test of over 4 times the legal limit.  He failed all field sobriety tasks and was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated.  He was released on $3,000 personal recognizance bond and will appear in District Court Friday.

Fireworks still popping after the 4th

Leelanau County Sheriff's deputies responded to 7 fireworks complaints in a 90 minute period Saturday night.  The calls were in 6 different townships.  None of the fireworks were still being shot when deputies arrived and no citations or warnings were issued.

Man arrested for domestic violence in Bingham Township

A 23 year-old Traverse City man was arrested Friday for Domestic Violence for assaulting the mother of their child.  He arrived at the mother's residence shortly after 5:00 pm and demanded to take possession of their 1 year-old child.  The 22 year-old mother refused to turn the child over so he tried to physically take the child from her arms as she sat in a chair.  Both the mother and child went to the floor when the chair tipped over in the struggle.

A 43 year-old woman who was present attempted to intervene and stop the assault.  The suspect pushed her down before leaving without the child.  He was not present when deputies arrived but was arrested shortly after the event for Domestic Violence.  There were no injuries in the incident.

The man was released on $2,000 personal recognizance bond pending a District Court appearance.

Bass Lake campers cited for being MIP 

12 Grand Rapids area men were cited by Leelanau County Sheriff's deputies and National Park Service Rangers Friday evening at 7:39 pm.  They were reported to be camping illegally between School Lake and Bass Lake.  All the men received misdemeanor Minor in Possession/Consumption of Alcohol and are scheduled to appear in front of the magistrate in 86th District Court.  

SUSPECT ARRESTED FOR FELONIOUS ASSAULT

The Leelanau County Sheriff's Office arrested a suspect after an assault in Kasson Township.

On 7/11/13, at 1953hrs, deputies responded to a residence in the 8900blk of South Maple City Road reference a 911 call indicating there had been an assault with a possible stabbing involved.  Upon arrival deputies identified a 40yr old male resident whom was the victim.  The suspects had already left the area.  The indicated stabbing had been being struck with the pointed end of a spade shovel.

The victim stated he was home when a male and female came over.  The female was there to collect some property.  While this was taking place the victim states a second male entered his home and an argument occurred.  During this argument a fight broke out.  The victim stated while he was being held down on the floor a second female entered his home and struck him several times with a spade shovel.  The victim states these strikes where to his groin area.  After this the four people left.  The victim suffered abrasions to his upper thigh area but declined being transported to the hospital for these injuries.

Deputies located all the parties involved in this incident.  After interviews a 41yr old female from Cedar was arrested for felonious assault.  She admitted to using the shovel in the assault.  She was lodged in the Leelanau County Jail.  A report will be sent to the Prosecutor's Office requesting assault charges on a 33yr old male and a 40 yr old male whom are both from Cedar.  They were identified as being involved in the fight which occurred with the victim.

Driver Injured in Traffic Crash

The Leelanau County Sheriff's Office investigated two separate traffic crashes on Benzonia Trail involving the same driver.

Deputies responded on Tuesday, July 9th at approximately 0949 hours to Benzonia Trail near Glenmere Road in Empire Township on a personal injury motor vehicle accident.  The investigation showed that a 2008 White Jeep driven by a 85 year old man from Glen Arbor had first struck a parked car in a private driveway in the 7800 blk of Glen Lake Road.  The elderly driver then proceeded out of the driveway onto Glenmere Road and attempted a turn onto Benzonia Trail.  Upon doing so the Jeep left the roadway striking a parked vehicle.

The elderly driver was transported to Munson Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

Leelanau deputies arrest man wanted in Roscommon County

Leelanau County Sheriff's deputies who responded to a medical call in Suttons Bay ended up arresting the victim's boyfriend on a bench warrant.  Steven J. Klein, 49, was arrested in his Suttons Bay Township residence for unpaid child support in Roscommon County.  He was transported to the Leelanau County jail and later picked up by Roscommon authorities.  The victim was treated by Suttons Bay Rescue.

Suttons Bay man held on 4 bench warrants

Joaquin Alfonseca was arrested and is being held without bond on four 86th District Court bench warrants.  All the warrants are for failing to appear at collection hearings involving 2006 and 2007 misdemeanor convictions for Driving While Suspended, Operating While Intoxicated 2nd Offense, Use of a Controlled Substance and Transporting Open Intoxicants in a Motor Vehicle.

Alfonseca, 57, will appear in District Court Friday regarding the warrants.

Domestic Violence investigated in Elmwood Township

Leelanau County Sheriff's deputies responded to an Elmwood Township home at 4:15 Tuesday.  A 31 year-old woman called Leelanau Dispatch and reported that she and her boyfriend were arguing about finances and he acted aggressively towards her and took her cell phone away.  The man left the residence before deputies arrived and did not answer phone attempts for contact.

The woman was not injured and deputies will continue to attempt to contact the 33 year-old man for a statement before presenting the case to the Leelanau County Prosecutor.  Possible charges are Domestic Assault which is punishable by up to 93 days in jail and Interfering with Electronic Communications is a 2 year felony.

  

Tribal police arrest woman on bench warrant

Grand Traverse Band Tribal Police arrested Rachel A. Parker Monday for failing to comply with probation stipulations.  Parker, 29, of Mancelona, was originally convicted of Domestic Violence in Tribal Court.  She remains jailed without bond pending a Tribal Court appearance.

Turner sentenced on strangulation case

Donnie L. Turner was sentenced in Circuit Court after pleading guilty in Leelanau County's first strangulation case since the new law was enacted earlier this year.  He will serve 10 months in jail for breaking into his estranged wife's house and assaulting her in April 2013.

Turner was originally charged with Home Invasion 1st Degree, a 20 year felony, Assault by Strangulation, a 10 year felony, and being a Habitual Offender Second Offense, which would add 50% to each of the previous two charges.  He pleaded guilty reduced charges of Attempted Assault by Strangulation, a 5 year felony, and Attempted Larceny in a Building, a 1 year misdemeanor.

Turner will have 24 months of supervision upon release in addition to $1,148 fines and costs.

Quiet holiday weekend reported

It was a relatively quiet weekend in Leelanau County crime-wise.  Deputies had a presence at 3 fireworks displays, 3 parades, a running race, a pilgrimage, an eagle release and a polka festival. 

9 fireworks complaints were received, 3 loud party calls, 3 suicidal subjects and 3 reckless boating complaints.

Sunday July 7, 2013

Grawn man arrested on bench warrant

Anthony L. Mayfield, 47, was arrested in Grand Traverse County on a Leelanau County bench warrant.  Mayfield failed to appear at an April collection hearing resulting from a 2010 Second Offense Operating While Intoxicated conviction.  Mayfield remains jailed with a $183.60 bond, the amount he owes in fines and costs from the conviction.

Saturday July, 6, 2013

Harbor Springs man jailed as "Super Drunk"

A 32 year-old Harbor Springs man was arrested for Operating With a High Blood Alcohol Content Saturday afternoon.  A motorist called a vehicle as possibly being operated by a drunk driver at 5:05 pm.  The suspect vehicle was on S. West Bay Shore Drive in  Suttons Bay Township.  The vehicle came upon a Leelanau County patrol car travelling in the same direction.

The deputy pulled off and then got behind the suspect vehicle to look for signs of an intoxicated driver.  The vehicle crossed the centerline several times, once by over two feet into the oncoming lane.  A traffic stop was immediately affected and the driver contacted.

He showed signs of intoxication and failed field sobriety tasks given.  The man was arrested for OWI and charged with OWI with High BAC after a .22% Datamaster test result.  He was released on $1,500 personal recognizance bond.

Traffic stop results in drug charge

 A 31 year-old Honor man was cited for Possession of Marijuana after he was stopped for defective equipment Saturday.  A Leelanau County deputy contracted by Empire Village stopped the driver at 10:54 pm on Leelanau Highway south of Wilco in Empire Township.

Upon contact with the driver, the deputy smelled burnt marijuana.  The deputy asked the man if he had any drugs in the vehicle and driver admitted to having marijuana in his possession.  The man was cited for Possession of Marijuana, a 1 year misdemeanor and was released with an appearance date.  Field sobriety tasks were given and he was not under the influence of drugs at the time of the stop.

Friday July 5, 2013

2 jailed from District Court

Joseph W. Nelson, 22, Suttons Bay, was given 3 days in jail for violating probation.  Nelson was convicted of Possession and Use of Marihuana in 2012.  His probation conditions will remain in effect upon his release from jail.

Juan Bermudez, 33, Suttons Bay, was also given 3 days for a bond violation.  Bermudez was jailed after a positive PBT result.  His bond will remain unchanged after his release.  He was arrested for Operating with a High BAC in May.

Wallet taken from unlocked car

A caller on S. Orchard Way in Elmwood Township reported to the Leelanau County Sheriff's Office that her wallet was taken from her car that was parked in her driveway.  The theft occurred Wednesday evening.  The wallet was later discovered by a family member near the road with $180 in cash missing.  No other items in the wallet were reported to be missing.

Ex-wife arrested for domestic violence

A 27 year-old Cedar woman was arrested Friday after returning to her marital home and assaulting her ex-husband.  The woman called Leelanau Dispatch on Friday morning attempting to have deputies force her husband to let her into the residence to pick up items she believed belonged to her.  The man said the divorce was finalized and he received possession of the home.  He also said his ex-wife had a window of time to remove her things which had expired.

He did put what he believed to be her belongings on a blanket on the front lawn but the woman claimed there were other items she had a right to.  Deputies attempted to negotiate a resolution but were unsuccessful.  The woman was told that deputies would not force the man to allow her entry without a court order addressing the issue.

Approximately 30 minutes later, the ex-husband called Leelanau Dispatch to report that his ex-wife had forced her way into his home and had assaulted him in the process by punching him.  Deputies responded and arrested the woman for illegal entry and domestic violence after interviewing both parties.  She was released on $1,000 personal recognizance bond pending a district court appearance.

Driver arrested for OWI

A 48 year-old Elmwood Township man was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated 2nd Offense and Driving While Suspended Friday morning.  A motorist reported a red van driving into the oncoming lane and off the road on Empire Highway near Maple City Road at 11:47 pm.  A Leelanau deputy located the suspect vehicle on Lake Leelanau Drive near Birch Point Road approximately 30 minutes later.

The driver failed to signal a turn and was stopped for that traffic violation.  He appeared intoxicated and failed field sobriety tasks.  After his arrest he was given a Datamaster breath test with a .26% result.  He was also cited for Driving with a Suspended License.

He was released on $5,000 personal recognizance bond pending a District Court appearance.

Drunk Driving Arrest

The Leelanau County Sheriff' Office arrested a suspected drunk driver after a call into the 911 Dispatch Center.  On 7/4/13, at 2350hrs, a citizen called in a vehicle driving erratically in the area of County Road 641.  A Sheriff's Deputy located the vehicle and stopped in on Birch Point Road near Co. Rd. 641.  After an investigation the driver was placed under arrest for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated.  A road side breath test showed the driver's blood alcohol level to be almost four times the legal limit.  The driver also had a suspended driver's license.

The driver, a 48yr old man from Kasson Township, was lodged in the Leelanau County Jail on several charges.

Victim in canoe accident identified

The victim of yesterday's canoe accident in Lake Michigan has been identified as Stephen William-Osler Easter of Ann Arbor.  Stephen and his father, William Osler, 48, also of Ann Arbor, were in a canoe that was capsized by a rouge wave at approximately 8:15 pm 1 mile off shore in Sleeping Bear Bay.

The two were thrown into the 55 degree water by the wave and remained with the overturned canoe until located by the United States Coast Guard at approximately 10:30 pm.  CPR was performed on the victim as he was airlifted to the Traverse City Coast Guard airstation and then transported to Munson Medical Center.  Stephen Easter was pronounced dead at 1:00 am.

William Osler and his son left from DH Day Campground at approximately 8:00 am on Tuesday in a rented canoe and arrived at North Manitou Island around 1:00 pm.  After resting for approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours, they headed back to Leelanau County. 

After being capsized, Osler was able to retrieve his phone and called the National Park Service Ranger that he filed his float plan with.  The ranger immediately called NPS dispatch and an on-duty ranger.  NPS dispatch called Leelanau dispatch and Leelanau County marine deputies and patrol deputies were sent to respond.  US Coast Guard searched by water and air, assisted by Glen Arbor Fire and Rescue.  Both victims were wearing life preservers when located.

Illinois woman arrested for domestic assault

A 44 year-old Deerfield Illinois woman was arrested early Wednesday morning for Domestic Violence.  Leelanau deputies were sent to Birch Point Road in Elmwood Township shortly after 3:00 am.  The suspect's brother and her husband both told deputies that the woman was drunk and out of control.  They both said they were either physically attacked by her or hit with objects she threw at them.  Alcohol was a contributing factor with all parties involved.

The woman was later released on a $2,500 personal recognizance bond.

Canoeing Accident Claims Life

On Monday, July 1st, at 2023hrs, the Leelanau County Sheriff's Office responded with the National Park Service, Glen Arbor Fire Department and the United States Coast Guard to Lake Michigan near Sleeping Bear Point on the report of an overturned canoe with two people in the water.  Upon arrival units began a search effort. 

Darkness fell but the Coast Guard helicopter was able to locate the overturned canoe with the two people still with the vessel, approximately 1/2 mile off shore.  The victims were pulled from the water and the child was air lifted to Munson Hospital for treatment.  The father of the child was transported by ambulance.  Both victims were suffering from hypothermia.  The 8 yr old child was later pronounced dead at Munson Hospital.

The victims had canoed from D.H. Day Campgrounds to North Manitou Island.  They apparently spent approximately one and one half hours on the island and then attempted to return to the mainland.  Approximately 1/2 mile from shore the canoe overturned.  The father used a cell phone to contact D. H. Day  Campgrounds to inform them they were in the water with the canoe starting the emergency response.

The father is a 48yr old man from Ann Arbor.  His son was 8yrs old.  Both were wearing life jackets at the time of the incident.  The water temperature was reported to be 55 degrees at the time.

Traverse City man sentenced for strangulation

Donnie L. Turner, 35, was sentenced Monday to 10 months in jail for Attempted Assault by Strangulation and Attempted Larceny in a Building.  He was arrested in April after breaking into his estranged wife's home and assaulting her.  The victim said she was strangled.

Turner was the first suspect charged in Leelanau County under the new legislation, which makes a strangulation assault a 10 year felony.  Turner's pleas to an attempt made the maximum penalty 5 years in prison.  He was originally charged with Home Invasion First degree, a 20 year felony, Assault by Strangulation, a 10 year felony, and being a Habitual Offender Second offense, which would add 50% more time on the maximum penalties charged.

All original counts were dismissed when Turner agreed to plea to the two reduced charges.  He was given credit for 88 days already served and will have 24 months of supervision upon his release from jail.

Weekend update

Dangerous daytime drunk driver taken off road

Thanks to a concerned citizen and an observant deputy, a dangerous drunk driver was arrested Sunday afternoon.  A driver called Leelanau dispatch at 12:06 pm Sunday to report a car swerving out of its lane and running oncoming traffic off of the road.  The car was on S. West Bay Shore Drive in Bingham Township and the caller reported several near misses. 

A Leelanau County deputy located the suspect vehicle and was able to stop the car using the siren.  The driver was extremely intoxicated and had a half-full half-gallon of vodka on the driver's side floor.  The 59 year-old Northport man was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated 2nd offense after failing field sobriety tests.  A blood test was offered to screen for possible drug impairment as well.

The man remains jailed pending an appearance before the magistrate.  Second offense drunk driving is punishable by a minimum 5 days and maximum 1 year in jail and up to $1,000 fine.

Saturday June 29, 2013

 

Suspended driver cited

Leelanau County deputies stopped a 21 year-old driver for a traffic violation at midnight Saturday.  The stop occurred on E. Duck Lake Road near Herman Road in Suttons Bay Township.  The driver had an Indiana driver's license but his Michigan privileges were suspended for Failure to Comply with a Judgment.

Since it was a first offense, the man was cited rather than arrested.

Tribal police arrest man on warrant

Grand Traverse Band Tribal police arrested Christopher T. Genereaux on a Tribal bench warrant Saturday.  Genereaux, 24, of Suttons Bay, failed to appear at a probation violation hearing in May.  He was on probation after a conviction for domestic violence.

He is being held without bond pending a Tribal Court appearance. 

Park Service Rangers cite youths for alcohol and drug possession

National Park Service Rangers cited a 19 year-old man for being a Minor in Possession of Alcohol at 4:36 pm Saturday.  The incident occurred in a parking lot at the Glen Haven Beach.  The man will appear in Federal Court in the Western District of Michigan (Grand Rapids) on the charge.

Rangers also dealt with 5 people in possession of marihuana at 4:40 Friday at North Bar Lake.  No details of that incident were available.

Friday June 28, 2013

 

Felony drunk driver arrested for bond violation

Sandra L. Sawyer surrendered to the Leelanau County jail Friday to serve three days on a bond violation.  Sawyer, 49, of Traverse City, violated terms of her bond on 3rd Offense Operating While Intoxicated.

She was released Sunday on a $1,000 personal recognizance bond.

Two sentenced in District Court

Mario A. Famiano, 40, of Interlochen, was sentenced to 10 days in jail Friday.  Famiano was convicted of Malicious Destruction of Property over $200 < $1,000.  The charge was a result of damage done to a Leelanau Township barn in November 2010.  Restitution has yet to be determined.

Ali A. Alsharari, 19, of Suttons Bay, received 12 days in jail for a reduced charge of Use of Marihuana and being a Minor in Possession of Alcohol.  The case was investigated by GTB Tribal Police. 

Arrest made in Kasson Township domestic dispute

A 40 year-old man was arrested for Domestic Violence after his wife said he choked her during an argument.  The woman's son called his father in another state to report that the son's mother was just assaulted by her new husband.  The man, in turn, called Leelanau Dispatch, who sent deputies to the Kasson Township home at 8:49 pm Friday.

All parties were interviewed and the man was arrested for domestic violence.  He was arrested and later released on a $1,500 personal recognizance bond.  Alcohol was a contributing factor in the incident.

Man on bond for DV arrested for violation

Douglas D. Goodrich, 33, was arrested Friday for violating terms of his bond following a Domestic Violence arrest earlier in the month.  Goodrich, of Bingham Township, was discovered to have been living back at the marital home and scene of the assault.  This violated bond conditions prohibiting his return to the home or contact with the victim, his wife.  Goodrich remains lodged pending a new bond being set by a District Court judge.