Petty arrested on bench warrant

Susan A Petty, 46, of Traverse City, was arrested in Grand Traverse County Tuesday after a bench warrant for failing to appear at a show cause hearing was issued.  Petty was convicted of passing 3 non-sufficient funds checks within 10 days in Leelanau County.  She was ordered to pay $2,317.48 in restitution.

Petty failed to pay the restitution so a show cause hearing was scheduled so she could tell the court why repayment hadn't been made.  She failed to appear at the hearing and the bench warrant was issued.

Petty remains jailed on a $600 bond with a payment plan set up.

Hot PBT lands man in jail for bond violation

A 43 year-old Lake Leelanau man is in jail after blowing positive on a court ordered daily preliminary breath test Monday.  Jeffrey W. Gleason was on bond after being arrested for Operating with a High BAC > .17%.  He crashed his truck in Suttons Bay Township on December 17 at 2:15 pm.  His blood alcohol content after the crash was .29%.

Gleason agreed to daily breath tests in order to be released from jail on bond.  He failed two tests given on Monday morning and was immediately jailed.  He remains lodged with no bond pending a District Court appearance.

Maple City man arrested for OWI

A 61 year-old man who drove his car into the ditch was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated Monday night.  The man's car needed to be towed after he drove it off the road on Maple City Road near Hlavka Road in Kasson Township at 8:41 pm.

Leelanau County deputies responded to the incident and detected the odor of intoxicants coming from the driver.  He admitted to drinking and failed 4 field sobriety tasks given.  The man was arrested for OWI and had a Datamaster breath test result of .15%.  He remains jailed until bond is set by the magistrate. 

                                   Motorists advised to beware of waterfowl in the road

Because of the lack of open water in the area, there has been an increase in the number of ducks on county roads.  Leelanau Dispatch received 3 such calls over the weekend from citizens concerned that ducks loitering in the road would be killed by vehicles.

It was learned from DNR Conservation Officer Rebecca Hopkins that the waterfowl are having trouble locating open water due to continued cold temperatures.  The only open water in the County is the Lake Leelanau Narrows. Ducks are landing on county roads, mistaking the sheen of the road surface for water.  Once on the road, the ducks have difficulty taking flight because the slippery surface prevents them from getting the running start necessary to fly.

Motorists are asked to slow down and proceed cautiously if ducks are in the road.  If citizens are concerned that the loitering ducks are unable to take flight, they can relocate them to the Narrows.  According to Wildlifehotline.com, the only way to catch adult ducks is to do so at night (they don't see well in the dark) by creeping up on them while they sleep and to gently cover them with a lightweight blanket or towel and scoop them into a carrier. 

Or just try and guide them away from harm's way in the road and trust that nature can take care of itself.  

Suttons Bay woman cited for DWLS

A 23 year-old Suttons Bay Township woman was cited for Driving While License Suspended by Leelanau County Sheriff's deputies Sunday.  She was stopped for a traffic violation on S West Bay Shore Drive near Murrary Court in Bingham Township at 8:29 pm.  A license check showed that her privileges were suspended due to a citation in Kalkaska not being taken care of.

She was cited for first offense DWLS and will resolve the matter in 86th District Court.

Garbage burning neighbor arrested on warrant

Leelanau Dispatch received a call from a resident on S Lake Leelanau Drive just south of E Duck Lake Road Friday afternoon.  The caller reported that he could see flames and smelled smoke next to the neighbor's pole barn.

Officers from the Leelanau County Sheriff's Office and Michigan State Police were nearby and checked it out.  They discovered that the neighbor was burning a pile of trash and that is what was seen by the caller.  A file check on the garbage burner showed that there was a bench warrant for his arrest for violating probation on a drunk driving charge in Grand Traverse County.

Jeremy S. Dennison, 39, was taken into custody and turned over to Grand Traverse County authorities on the warrant.  The fire was not a hazard and the fire department was not called.

Northport woman arrested on concealed weapons charge

A 35 year-old Northport woman was in the Leelanau County Courthouse on Thursday for a court hearing when it was learned by a Leelanau County Sheriff's detective that there were warrants for the woman's arrest.  The detective checked with dispatch who verified that the woman was wanted by Grand Traverse Band Tribal Police for failing to appear on a registration plate violation.

There was also a warrant for the woman's arrest for Possession of a Concealed Weapon.  She is accused of possessing a .45 cal. handgun in her vehicle when she was stopped for a traffic violation in Suttons Bay Township in October 2013. 

She was taken into custody on both warrants and remains jailed pending a bond being set on the felony weapons charge.  The concealed weapons charge is punishable by a maximum 5 years in prison and the registration violation is a 93 day misdemeanor.

Mother arrested for OWI while driving child to school

A 32 year-old Elmwood Township woman was driving her 4 year-old child to school at 9:00 Wednesday morning when she was stopped by a Leelanau County Sheriff's deputy for defective equipment.  The stop occurred on S West Bay Shore Drive near Peck Road in Suttons Bay Township.

Upon contact with the woman, the deputy noticed signs of intoxication and the odor of alcohol.  The driver said she was taking her child to school and denied drinking before driving.  She did admit that she was drinking until about 2:00am.

The driver failed field sobriety tasks given and was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated.  She was taken to the Leelanau County jail where the Datamaster breath test was given.  The result was .08%.  She posted $100 interim bond and was released pending a District Court appearance.

The woman was allowed to call a family friend who came to the scene of the traffic stop and took the child to school.  A charge of Child Endangerment will also be sought in addition to OWI.  Child endangerment is a separate charge involving driving intoxicated with a passenger under 16 years of age.

Interlochen man arrested after traffic stop

Leelanau County Sheriff's deputies made a traffic stop on E Duck Lake Road near Scott Hill in Suttons Bay Township Tuesday morning.  22 year-old occupant Jeremy A. Bower was wanted on a Friend of the Court bench warrant for unpaid child support. 

Bower was arrested on the warrant and transported to the Leelanau County jail where he was unable to post $400 bond.  He was later picked up by Grand Traverse County deputies because the warrant originated out of their county.

Northport man arrested for OWI again

A 60 year-old Leelanau Township man was arrested Tuesday morning for Operating While Intoxicated.  He was on probation for OWI Second Offense and Driving Suspended from a 2013 arrest and conviction.

The Leelanau County deputy assigned to Leelanau Township received a call from a citizen at 11:30 am that the suspect was driving south on N West Bay Shore Drive from Omena.  Grand Traverse Band Tribal police were asked to assist in trying to locate the vehicle until the Leelanau Township deputy could get to the area.

Tribal police located the vehicle near Stallman Road and made a stop for safety reasons after observing the vehicle being driven erratically.  The deputy arrived at the scene and made contact with the suspect.  His driving privileges were suspended and he appeared under the influence.  He failed all field sobriety tasks given and was asked to submit to a blood test.

The driver was arrested for OWI Third Offense and DWLS Third Offense.  He was also arrested on a bench warrant for a probation violation involving the OWI Second Offense conviction for consuming alcohol and failing to take daily court-ordered preliminary breath tests.

He remains lodged in the Leelanau County jail without bond on the probation violation bench warrant.  Bond has not been set on the OWI III arrest.

Peshawbestown man arrested for failing to appear on DV III charge

A 23 year-old Peshawbestown man was arrested in Grand Traverse County Monday on a Grand Traverse Band Tribal bench warrant.  The man failed to appear at arraignment on a Third Offense Domestic Violence charge which occurred in 2013.

GTB Tribal Police took custody of the man from Grand Traverse County deputies and transported him to the Leelanau County jail.  The suspect remains jailed without bond pending a Tribal Court hearing.

TC woman arrested for probation violation

An 18 year-old Traverse City woman called Leelanau Dispatch at 11:11 pm Sunday night to report that her boyfriend had been hitting her.  When deputies arrived at the Bingham Township residence they could not establish that an assault occurred and the needed probable cause to make an arrest.  They did discover that the woman was wanted in Grand Traverse County for violating probation on a Minor in Possession of Alcohol 3rd Offense conviction.

The woman was arrested and transported to GT County by Leelanau County Sheriff's deputies and the assault report will be turned over to the Prosecutor's Office for review.

Concerned citizen calls in dead dog in the back of a pickup

A concerned citizen called the Leelanau County Sheriff's Office Saturday morning to report what was believed to be a dead German Shepard or wolf in the back of a parked pickup truck in Empire.  No one was around the vehicle.

Leelanau deputies responded and determined that the animal was actually a coyote.  It is unknown how the animal died but it was not illegal to possess.

Neddo arrested for failing to appear

19 year-old Michael A. Neddo, Maple City, was arrested in Grand Traverse County after he failed to appear on a Driving While License Suspended charge in Leelanau County.  A bench warrant was issued after Neddo didn't show on January 17.

Neddo was transported to the Leelanau County jail where he remains pending posting of $500 bond.

Tribal police arrest man for animal cruelty

Grand Traverse Band Tribal Police arrested an 18 year-old Peshawbestown man Friday but it wasn't easy.  The man fled from Tribal police but with the assistance of Leelanau County Sheriff's deputies, the man was taken into custody on 4 Tribal warrants.  The warrants were for various animal licensing and animal at large charges, as well as 4 counts of animal torture for leaving a dog unattended without shelter in frigid conditions.

The man remains in the Leelanau County jail pending a Tribal Court arraignment later today.

MC man sentenced after failing Sobriety Court

52 year-old Kevin S. Nemitz, Maple City, was sentenced to 120 days in jail after being discharged unsuccessfully from Sobriety Court.  Nemitz pleaded guilty to Operating While Intoxicated 2nd Offense and Fleeing and Eluding 4th degree and the case was accepted in Sobriety Court.  Multiple violations of probation led to the unsuccessful discharge.

Vehicle Strikes House/Garage

The Leelanau County Sheriff's Office responded to a traffic crash where the vehicle involved damaged a residence.

On Thursday, January 30th, at 1509hrs, deputies responded to the intersection of Glenmere Road and Benzonia Trail on the report of a vehicle into a residence.  Upon arrival they found a 2012 Toyota Highlander SUV that had left the road way and struck the residence at 7014 Glenmere Road.  The investigation showed a 74yr old man from Carmel Indiana was northbound on Benzonia Trail when he failed to stop for the stop sign at the Glenmere Road intersection.  The Toyota went out of control traveling north through the "T" intersection leaving the roadway and striking the residence.

The driver was uninjured in the traffic crash.  A citation was issued to the driver.

Accident Investigated on Herman Road

The Leelanau County Sheriff's Office issued a driver two citations as the result of a traffic collision on Herman Road north of Pineview Road.

On Wednesday, January 29th, at approximately 1653hrs, deputies responded to the above location reference a traffic crash involving a vehicle and a private plow truck.  The investigation showed a 55yr old Suttons Bay man was plowing in a Chevrolet plow truck traveling northbound in the southbound lane.  A 26yr old Suttons Bay man was southbound in a Chevrolet passenger vehicle and came upon the oncoming plow truck.  On coming northbound traffic was present and the southbound vehicle was unable to avoid striking the plow truck traveling north in the southbound lane.

The driver of the plow truck was issued two citations, one for improper lane use and the second citation was for no proof of vehicle insurance.  No one was injured in the crash.

Pedestrian Struck on Cherry Bend Road

The Leelanau County Sheriff's Office along with Elmwood Fire Department responded to a car/pedestrian accident on Cherry Bend Road north of Lincoln Road.

On Wednesday, January 29th, at 1339hrs, deputies responded to the above location reference a personal injury accident.  Upon arrival deputies found a 52yr old male injured from being struck by a vehicle.  The investigation showed a northbound Subaru being driven by a 68yr old woman from Traverse City swerved to avoid another vehicle backing out of a driveway.  The Subaru slid out of control crossing over the southbound lanes on Cherry Bend Road leaving the roadway.  The 52yr old male was snow blowing his driveway when the Subaru slid off the roadway striking the 52yr old male.

The male victim was treated at the scene for minor injuries and refused transport to the hospital.  No citations were issued in relation to this accident.

Weather Contributes to Cause of a Two Vehicle Accident

The Leelanau County Sheriff's Office along with Cedar Fire Department responded on January 28th, at 1404hrs, to a two vehicle traffic crash on Bright Road north of Kasson Road.  Upon arrival emergency respondents found one driver pinned in her vehicle and the other driver suffering from injuries as well.

The investigation found that a 2007 Hyundai driven by a 47yr old Maple City woman, was southbound on Bright Road and a 2001 Jeep driven by a 56yr old Kasson Township woman was northbound on Bright Road.  The weather conditions at the time of the collision reduced visibility significantly and the road was blown over and narrowed at the time.  It appears both vehicles moved towards the center of the roadway to avoid the snowbanks and collided almost head on.  The driver of the Jeep was pinned inside of her vehicle and had to be extricated by Cedar Fire personnel.  Both drivers were transported to Munson Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.  A passenger in the Hyundai was uninjured.

The accident remains under investigation and no citations have been issued.

Driver involved in 3 car crash arrested

A 42 year-old Cedar man was driving on S Schomberg Rd. in Leland Township Monday, seemingly minding his own business.  The problem was he was driving with a suspended license and another motorist crashed into him.

There were no injuries reported after a 28 year-old Maple City man drove too fast into a curve and went into the opposing lane, crashing into an oncoming car.  After striking the first car, driven by a 34 year-old Fraser, CO woman, the Maple City man's car spun around and struck the third car, which was driven by the suspended driver.

The at-fault driver was cited for Driving Left of Center and the suspended driver was arrested by Leelanau County Sheriff's deputies for DWLS II.  He was taken to jail and later released after posting $100 interim bond.

Winter weather continues to dominate LCSO activity

More snow accumulation and strong winds over the weekend continued to make driving a challenge in Leelanau County.  Dozens of reports of stranded or stuck vehicles were investigated by Leelanau County deputies over the weekend.  Thankfully, all crashes reported were the non-injury variety.

Tow companies were busy removing vehicles at both owner and deputies requests throughout the weekend.  Motorists are reminded that it is unsafe and illegal to leave vehicles parked on or near the roadway that would interfere with snow removal or create a possible hazard for other motorists.  Such vehicles will be immediately removed by law enforcement when discovered.  Drifting snow and reduced visibility makes the situation even more dangerous.

Winter weather advisory in effect until 7am Tuesday 

 * THROUGH EARLY AFTERNOON: LIGHT TO OCCASIONALLY MODERATE LAKE
   EFFECT SNOW SHOWERS WILL CONTINUE. NEW SNOW ACCUMULATION
   THROUGH 2 PM OF LESS THAN TWO INCHES IS POSSIBLE...WITH THE
   GREATEST AMOUNTS WEST OF INTERSTATE 75...AND BETWEEN M-32 AND
   M-72...INCLUDING LOCATIONS SUCH AS BELLAIRE AND MANCELONA.

* THIS EVENING AND TONIGHT: SNOWS WILL DIMINISH IN INTENSITY THIS
   EVENING...WITH AN INCH OR LESS ACCUMULATION EXPECTED OVERNIGHT.

* NORTHWEST WIND GUSTS OF 20 TO 30 MPH WILL RESULT IN
   CONSIDERABLE BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW...AND REDUCED
   VISIBILITIES. WINDS WILL GRADUALLY DIMINISH TONIGHT.

* EXPECT WIND CHILLS OF 15 BELOW TO 25 BELOW ZERO...WITH THE
   COLDEST READINGS OCCURRING TONIGHT.

Woman looking for a ride gets one... To jail

Grand Traverse Band Tribal police were flagged down by a woman who needed a ride early Monday morning on the GTB reservation.  Elizabeth A. Shomin, 28, of Peshawbestown, must not have known Grand Traverse County had a bench warrant for her arrest or she probably wouldn't have hailed a patrol car for a ride. 

She did get the ride she desired, but it was to the Leelanau County Jail.  Grand Traverse County deputies picked her up later in the morning when she was unable to post the $490 bond on the Contempt of Court warrant.

Private Property Accident Reports

The Leelanau County Sheriff's Office is changing it's policy related to motor vehicle accidents that occur on private property.  Our agency will now respond and take information from all parties involved detailing what occurred on a private property accident report form.  This form will be filed with our agency available to the drivers involved and their insurance company.

Since law enforcement officers do not determine fault for vehicle collisions that occur on private property this form will be informational only and will help with supplying the necessary information for citizens when they are dealing with auto insurance questions.

This practice will begin Monday, January 27th.  We hope this will provide a valuable service to the citizens of the County.

Cold Temperatures Making Many Roadway Extremely Slick

The Leelanau County Sheriff's office would ask motorist to take extra precautions when driving over the next several days.  With the weather continuing to be extremely cold the road surfaces are icy on many of the heavily traveled roadways.  Cherry Bend Road, South Lake Leelanau Drive, West Bay Shore Drive and East Duck Lake Road all have areas that are very slippery.  Our Office continues to respond to traffic accidents and numerous vehicles that have slid off the roadway.  We ask the motoring public to take a few extra minutes in their travels and use reduced speeds to make sure everyone is safe out on the roadways.

Operating While Intoxicated

The Leelanau County Sheriff's Office arrested a subject after an incident on M72 near Glen's Landfill.

Deputies on routine patrol on 1/22/14 at approximately 2331hrs,  came across a 1997 Lincoln passenger vehicle that had left the roadway and struck a street sign.  The driver of the vehicle was identified as a 33yr old man from Kasson Township.  The deputies noticed signs of intoxication and an investigation was conducted.  After this the driver was taken into custody for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated.  He was transported to and lodged at the Leelanau County Jail.

Lake Leelanau man arrested on bench warrant

Leelanau County Sheriff's deputies arrested Juan P. Gonzalez at his home Tuesday.  A District Court bench warrant was recently issued for his arrest for unpaid fines and costs from a 2010 Domestic Violence 2nd Offense conviction.

Gonzalez, 37, will serve 30 days if he is unable to pay the $1256 owed to the court.  The jail count is at 31 today.

Thief who stole from vulnerable adult gets 365 days in jail

A 59 year-old Lake Leelanau woman was sentenced to a year in jail in District Court Friday.  Carolyn A. Flees was sentenced after pleading guilty to a 1 year misdemeanor of Embezzlement from a Vulnerable Adult over $200 but less than $1000.  The investigation by the Leelanau County Sheriff's Office showed the amount stolen to be at least $40,000.

Flees pleaded guilty to the charge after family members of the elderly Leland Township man noticed irregularities in his finances.  Flees had been hired to assist the man several years prior to the problems with his finances being discovered.

Although Flees was sentenced to 365 days in jail, she will be eligible to be released to Community Corrections program after 150 days.  She was also directed to pay $30,000 restitution before the end of her 2 years of supervised release.

Home invader arrested on probable cause after release from hospital

The 48 year-old man who is accused of breaking into his marital home and assaulting a man before being tasered by Leelanau County Sheriff's officers is in jail.  After being treated for 10 days at an area hospital the man was released and returned to his mother's home in Cedar.  She called Leelanau Dispatch Friday because she was concerned that her son may hurt himself.

Deputies responded and interviewed the man.  He denied any thoughts of self-harm and said his statements were misunderstood.  He meant that he was going to leave the area and that is why no one would see him again.  Deputies spoke with the Leelanau County Prosecutor who indicated that the warrant for the man's arrest had not yet been completed and that he should be arrested on probable cause from the January 4 incident.

The man was arrested on Home Invasion 2nd Degree charges and remains jailed on $250,000 bond.

Kasben found guilty of probation violation and receives 45 days in jail

William E. Kasben was found guilty of violating probation after a lengthy hearing in District Court Friday.  Kasben, 72, of Maple City, has had a long history with Leelanau County Animal Control and the Leelanau County Prosecutor's office regarding his livestock and cruelty and animal at large issues.

Kasben was on probation for Allowing Livestock to be at large and was charged with the same offense in mid-2013.  It was determined at the probation hearing that Kasben was responsible for allowing his cattle to be at large which resulted in the probation violation.

He was sentenced to 45 days in jail and had his probation revoked unsuccessfully.  He will still be responsible for fines and costs previously assigned.

Suttons Bay man arrested on Friend of Court warrant

Brian C. Spinniken, 45, was arrested at his home Saturday on an FOC bench warrant.  He was taken to the Leelanau County jail by deputies where he was released after posting bond.

Lake Leelanau man arrested on OWI bench warrant

Dennis M. Scanlon, 61, was arrested at a relative's home early Saturday morning by Leelanau County Sheriff's deputies on a District Court bench warrant.  Scanlon failed to appear at a show cause hearing after pleading guilty to Operating While Intoxicated.  He remains jailed on a $792 bond.

4 jailed after District Court held Friday

As a result of District Court Friday, the following defendants were sentenced to the Leelanau County jail:

Curtis P. Momber, 25, of Grand Rapids, was sentenced to 21 days in jail after pleading guilty to Failing to Report a Crash. 

Nicholas R. Payne, 46, of Cedar, was given 30 days in jail after a plea to Operating While Intoxicated.

Kian M. Culloty, 27, of Traverse, was sentenced to 120 days in jail for OWI 2nd and DWLS 2nd.

Mary L. Zagers, 54, of Suttons Bay, was given 5 days in jail after pleading guilty to OWI 2nd offense charges. 

Citizens are warned of scammers imitating Microsoft

Leelanau County Senior Services is reporting that people in the County are receiving telephone calls from "Microsoft" about a virus.  The caller ID shows 1-800-642-7676, the correct toll-free number for Microsoft.  This is probably done by using Caller ID Spoofing.  Click here to learn more about Caller ID spoofing.

The scam says that "Microsoft" will fix the virus issues for a fee that you pay for by giving them your credit card number or back account information.  Please be aware that Microsoft will not call people and charge them to remove viruses.  As always, do not give out personal information, credit card or banking information over the phone if you have even the slightest doubt about who you are giving the information to.

Weather continues to keep deputies busy on crashes

Although crime has been relatively quiet recently, motor vehicle crashes continue to keep Leelanau County Sheriff's deputies busy.  5 more 2 car crashes were reported Thursday, along with vehicles still sliding off the roads and into snowbanks.  No injuries were reported in any of the crashes, one of which involved a county plow truck striking an illegally parked vehicle.

Alanson man brought to Leelanau on GTB tribal warrant

Robert U. Yellowbank, 39, was transported from Emmet County on a Grand Traverse Band Tribal bench warrant Wednesday.  The bench warrant stems from an original GTB domestic violence case.  He remains jailed pending a tribal court appearance.

TCPD arrest drunk driver

Traverse City Police responded to the report of a car in the ditch on E Traverse Highway near Morgan Farms in the annexed area of Traverse City in Leelanau County Wednesday at 11:56 pm.  A citizen told police that the possible was located a mile or so away at Tom's West Bay parking lot.

Police contacted the 52 year-old Maple City man who was snow covered and denied driving the ditched vehicle.  He eventually admitted that he had actually been driving and had consumed alcohol.  After failing field sobriety tasks, officers arrested him for Operating While Intoxicated and transported him to the Leelanau County jail since the offense occurred in the County.

The man remains jailed pending a bond being set by the magistrate.

Winter roads and weather continue to dominate County

Another dump of heavy snow after moderate temperatures spelled trouble for Leelanau motorists Tuesday.  S Lake Leelanau Drive between Maple Valley Road and Donner Road in Bingham Township was shutdown for 2 hours while two BATA school buses that slid off the road were pulled back onto the road.  Roads were slick as the large amount of fresh heavy snow hit the warm road surface. 

The snow arrived Tuesday afternoon and continued throughout the night.  Leelanau Dispatch received the report of 2 non-injury crashes and 7 vehicles that had gone into the snowbank after the snow came.  4 vehicles were reported stuck in the roadway at various location throughout the night and had to be removed by tow services.

Motorists are reminded that no vehicles may remain on the roadway or shoulders of roads in Leelanau County.  They present a danger to other drivers as well as impede snow removal by County road crews.  If your vehicle breaks down or becomes stuck, call a wrecker to have it removed immediately.  If not, law enforcement will do so when made aware of it for the safety of others.  Slow down, lights on, use extreme caution and maybe even stay home if you really don't need to go out.

Rancour arrested for failing to appear again

The second of the Blue Moon Ice Cream Shop bandits was arrested yesterday in Grand Traverse County for failing to appear at his scheduled preliminary examination on November 22.  Cole J. Rancour, 23, of Traverse City remains lodged in the Leelanau County jail without bond after failing to appear for the second time in the case.

Co-defendant Scott A. Johnston was arrested over the weekend for violating terms of his bond.  Johnston did show up for the pre-lim on 11/22 but remains jailed for failing to appear for 3 drug screens.

The two are accused of breaking a front window at the Cedar business while being observed by patrons at a business across the street.  Rancour reached through the window and removed the cash register and got into a car driven by Johnston.  The two drove away but returned to the area a short time later and were confronted by Leelanau County deputies who were provided a vehicle description and partial license plate number by the witnesses.

Less than $20 was taken in the break-in.  Both men are charged with Breaking and Entering with the Intent to Commit Larceny, a 10-year Felony.

Not much happening on a sunny Leelanau Monday

Not alot to report which isn't very exciting for you but good as far as serious crime and injury crashes in our County.  During the approximate 24 hour period from Sunday midnight to Monday midnight Leelanau Dispatch logged 30 events.  They included 5 involving Grand Traverse Band Police, 4 medical calls and a fire department assist to Peninsula Township in Grand Traverse County, 2 car/ deer crashes and 3 false residential alarms. 

There was a barking dog complaint, a 911 hangup, 2 background checks for employment and a crash involving a county plow truck investigated by Michigan State Police.  Two road hazards and a dangerous driver were reported by motorists during the period as well.

An attempted phone scam from Jamaica was reported and a welfare check was done in Leelanau Township.  A malicious destruction of property was reported by a Suttons Bay Township landlord and a Leland Township caller was concerned that two people were "way out" and walking their two dogs near the center of N Lake Leelanau.

For our summer residents and visitors....................

Click on The Cove's Fishtown camera to see what Leelanau County looks like in January!  No need to hurry back if you are looking to spend time lying on sunny Van's Beach!  Thanks to Rick and The Cove for providing the Cove Cam and allowing us to post the link on this site from time to time.

5 defendants find their ways to jail in different ways

Four men were jailed over the weekend for a variety of reasons.  They are as follows:

Christopher G. Klassa, 51 of Redford Township was jailed after a probation violation hearing in 86th District Court Friday.  Just in case the judge wasn't convinced that Klassa had sufficiently failed probation, Klassa showed up drunk for his morning hearing.  He had a .145% blood alcohol reading upon arrival at the Leelanau County jail.  His probation for OWI with a High BAC >.17% and Possession of Marihuana was terminated and he was given 30 days in jail.  The fines and costs previously assessed were preserved and must still be paid.

Scott A. Johnston, 21 of Traverse City was arrested in Grand Traverse County Sunday afternoon on a Circuit Court Bench Warrant.  Johnston failed to appear for drug testing on 3 dates scheduled in late November and early December.  He was on probation after pleading to Breaking and Entering a Building with Felonious Intent, specifically the Blue Moon Ice Cream Shop in Cedar.  He remains jailed without bond pending an appearance before Judge Thomas Power to explain why he failed to appear at the drug screens.

A 19 year-old Peshawbestown man was arrested Saturday night by Grand Traverse Band Tribal Police on an original warrant for Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor.  The incident(s) occurred over a 3 day period earlier in January.  He was arrested on the GTB reservation and remains jailed until Tribal Court sets bond on the matter.

Shad J. LaBonte, 37 of Elmwood Township, served 3 days over the weekend for failing to participate in sex therapy counseling to the degree necessary for him to successfully complete the program as part of his Attempted Criminal Sexual Conduct 4th Degree probation.  He was also ordered to pay tether fees which were in arrears before release Monday morning, which he did.

Theodore J. Grietsell, 30 of Wyandotte, was given an additional day in jail at sentencing for a previous bond violation on OWI Second Offense and Driving with Suspended License convictions.  Grietsell was sent to jail for the night after violating bond on the case previously and the matter was not dealt with by the Court at that time.  He was given credit for 6 days already spent in jail on the case and will be allowed to do community service work in his home area. 

Lake Ann woman cited for Driving Suspended

A 43 year-old woman stopped by Leelanau County deputies for an equipment violation was also cited for DWLS,  She was stopped on E Traverse Highway near Harry's Road late Sunday evening.  A license check showed an unpaid citation from Clare County.

The woman claimed to have paid the ticket and was told to bring supporting documentation to the Court's attention for consideration.  She parked her vehicle in a local business and was picked up by a friend.  She was not physically arrested because it was a first offense DWLS.  She was given notice to appear within 10 days.

MC man arrested after trying to drive car on snowmobile trail

A 19 year-old Maple City man got stuck after trying to drive a car on the snowmobile trail near W Kasson Center Road in Kasson Township early Friday morning.  Leelanau County Sheriff's deputies were sent to respond after a passerby saw the vehicle stuck off the road.

Deputies made contact with the driver who admitted that he had been drinking and was trying to drive on the trail.  The man did not have a license in addition to being drunk.  He was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated.

Less that two hours later, a woman at Turtle Creek Casino reported to Grand Traverse Band Tribal Police that she had given her car to an acquaintance to go to the Acme McDonalds and he had not returned.  The man was the driver arrested for OWI on the snowmobile trail in Kasson Township.

The driver remains jailed pending a bond being set.

Grand Rapids man arrested on bench warrants

William P. Shananaquat, 37, was picked up in Kent County on Friend of the Court and Grand Traverse Band bench warrants.  Shananaquat failed to pay $336 in arrearages and Failed to Appear on Domestic Battery and Unlawful License charges.  Bond on that case is $435.

Source of reported gunshot located

Leelanau County deputies responded to E Murray Court in Bingham Township Wednesday afternoon for the report of a gunshot in a home.  A resident reported what they believed to be a gunshot coming from a neighbor's home.

Deputies and Suttons Bay Police checked several homes in the area and were able to determine that one of the neighbors had fired a muzzleloader behind his garage in his backyard to empty it at the end of hunting season.  No charges will be sought in the matter.

Probationer arrested as a no show for show cause

James G. Wemigwans, of Traverse City, was arrested in Grand Traverse County Wednesday on a Circuit Court bench warrant.  Wemigwans, 49, was wanted after failing to appear at a show cause hearing regarding $1410 in unpaid fines and costs.  The fines were a result of a conviction for Resisting and Opposing a Police Officer.

Wemigwans remains jailed in Leelanau County on $50 bond.  Once released, a payment plan will be reinstated to pay down the amount owed.

DV suspect arrested for bond violation, additional assault

A 43 year-old Leland Township man is back in jail after being arrested by Leelanau County Sheriff's deputies Monday night.  Christian B. Andrews was arrested for violating bond from a December 18, 2013 Domestic Violence arrest.  In that incident he is accused of physically assaulting his girlfriend after dragging her out of his vehicle.  He was later released on bond with a condition to have no contact with the victim.

The suspect's mother called Leelanau Dispatch at 7:48 pm Monday and told responding deputies that Andrews had struck her in the eye during an earlier argument regarding his girlfriend being at the house among other issues.  A facial injury was evident to investigators.

Andrews denied assaulting his mother and having contact with his girlfriend.  He was arrested on the bond violation and charges will be sought for assaults on his mother Monday afternoon and approximately a week earlier when the victim was struck in the head with a cereal bowl.  That injury was still visible to investigators Monday evening.

The suspect remains jailed without bond pending a District Court bond review.  His victim from that case denied being with him at his mother's house Monday.

Traffic stops lands Dexter man in jail

42 year-old Sean P. Laura was arrested on a Friend of the Court bench warrant from Washtenaw County after being stopped for a traffic violation Monday.  He was stopped on S Cedar Road near E Traverse Highway at 11:41 pm.  After a license check revealed the warrant, Laura was arrested and taken to the Leelanau County jail where he awaits a ride back to his home county by Washtenaw County corrections officers unless $4514 bond is posted.

Weather may be warming but crashes still happening

Although the temperature has risen to double digits, road conditions remains slippery.  4 non-injury crashes were investigated by Leelanau County deputies and Michigan State Police in the last 24 hours.  4 vehicles that slid into the ditch were also checked out.

True winter weather making driving treacherous

With another day of near-zero temperatures and blizzard conditions, motorists are encouraged to use extreme caution if driving is necessary.  All county schools are closed for a second straight day due to dangerously low temperatures and limited visibility on the roads.

Six crashes were investigated by the Leelanau County Sheriff's Office in the past 24 hours.  No injuries were reported.  There were also numerous cars in the ditch due to slippery road surfaces.  Although the road commission is doing a great job of keeping the roads clear of accumulation, the surfaces remain snow covered and slippery.

Motorists are reminded that parking on road shoulders in the county that could cause a hazard or impede snowplow activities is prohibited during the winter months.  Broken down vehicles need to be removed immediately.  When deputies come upon abandoned vehicles, they attempt to locate an owner to have the vehicle removed.  If that is not possible, then the vehicle is towed at the owner's expense. 

Pedestrians and exercise enthusiasts are reminded to use caution and common sense when using county roadways.  Bicycles must ride as far right as possible going with traffic and all other pedestrians, including Nordic skiers, must go against traffic.  Please wear visible colors, utilize daylight hours and remember that with growing snowbanks an decreased visibility, motorists may not see you.

Lake Leelanau man cited for DWLS

A 19 year-old Leland Township man was cited into District Court Monday for Driving with a Suspended License.  Leelanau County deputies stopped the man for a violation of the motor vehicle code on E Duck Lake Road and Herman Road in Suttons Bay Township and discovered that his privileges had been suspended.

Since the driver did not have a prior conviction for DWLS, he was cited and released.  Since he was suspended he was not allowed to drive away from the scene and left his vehicle in a parking lot until a licensed driver could pick it up.

Cleveland Township man taken into custody after Home Invasion

A 49 year-old man was taken into custody by Leelanau County Sheriff's deputies Saturday night.  Deputies responded to a residence on Ridge Cliff Trail at 7:51 pm in response to the report that the suspect kicked in the door of the home and physically assaulted a 46 year-old man there.  The suspect, who was known to the victim, left the scene on foot.

Deputies went to the suspect's home on Ski View Court and were informed that he took a knife and left the residence on foot wearing only blue jeans and a t-shirt.

Law enforcement searched for the man for approximately 3 hours but were unable to locate him.  A motorist reported at 11:18 pm that a man wearing a t-shirt and carrying a knife was walking on S Harbor Highway west of Bohemian Road.  Deputies located the man and found that he had a straight edge knife in each hand and was bleeding from his hands as well.

Deputies issued verbal commands to the suspect to drop the knives but the man refused.  A Taser was deployed, which disabled the suspect to allow him to be taken into custody.

Cedar Rescue was summoned and the suspect was transported to Munson Medical Center for treatment of self-inflicted cuts to his wrists and a head injury from the fall during the arrest.  After the suspect was treated for his injuries, he was admitted to the hospital for psychiatric evaluation.

Charges of Second Degree Home Invasion, Resisting and Opposing Police and Assault and Battery charges are being requested.

Unique car/pedestrian crash investigated Friday

Leelanau County Sheriff's deputies responded to a car/pedestrian crash Friday at 11:58 pm in Elmwood Township.  Diva Gurung, 25, Traverse City, told investigators that he entered a private drive off E Hoxie Road when his accelerator stuck.  The vehicle travelled approximately 150 feet down the driveway before striking a parked vehicle. 

After hitting the parked vehicle, Gurung's vehicle then struck an occupant of the residence who was in the driveway.  Jeffrey M. Ramirez, 34, was transported to Munson Medical Center by Northflight EMS for incapacitating injuries after being struck.

Gurung and his passenger were not injured and no citation was issued in the crash.

Leelanau's Wanted suspect surrenders

For the second time in two days, a suspect shown on the Leelanau's Wanted page of this blog has been arrested.  Victor H. Zavala, 25, Grand Rapids, surrendered at the Leelanau County jail on Thursday evening.  He was wanted on two bench warrants for failing to appear for Assault and Battery sentencing and show cause on Operating Without Security.

Zavala is held without bond on the A&B charge and has a $1000 bond on the no insurance case.

Leelanau deputies arrest afternoon drunk driver

An alert motorist notified Leelanau Dispatch about an erratic driver at 5:45 pm Thursday.  The driver was southbound on S West Bay Shore Dr. from Leelanau Sands Casino.  Leelanau deputies located the vehicle in Suttons Bay village and made contact with the 28 year-old Traverse City woman.

She admitted to consuming alcohol at the casino but said that she was not trying to drive drunk.  She failed field sobriety tasks administered and was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated Second Offense.  She was given a Datamaster breath test at the Leelanau County jail with .09% result.

She remains jailed until bond is set by the magistrate Friday.

Straw Drop program in Suttons Bay

See the News Brief tab for information on the upcoming Straw Drop program for pet owners in Leelanau County.

New Year's Eve a fairly quiet one

Leelanau County Sheriff's deputies had a fairly quiet New Year's Eve tour of duty.  Two Minor in Possession citations were issued involving a house party on S Lakeshore Drive in Centerville Township.  Leelanau Dispatch received a call from a citizen with a traffic concern of vehicles parked on the travelled portion of the road.  

When deputies responded, they found a vehicle that had been driven into the ditch.  A 19 year-old passenger from Suttons Bay Township was cited for being a Minor in Possession of Intoxicants.  Deputies spoke with the homeowner about the traffic problem and a 20 year-old Northport man running away from the house with bare feet, carrying his shoes.

Deputies contacted the man who was intoxicated and underage.  He was also cited for MIP.

There were no alcohol-related crashes reported in the County.

Leelanau's Wanted suspect arrested

A 28 year-old Elmwood Township woman who was a charter member of Leelanau's Wanted when the blog was launched has been arrested.  Stephanie L. Rice was arrested at her family's home early Thursday morning.  Leelanau County Sheriff's Office received information that she had returned to the area after being out of state.

Rice is being held without bond on three bench warrants involving Operating While Intoxicated 2nd and 3rd Offenses.

North Dakota man arrested for Domestic Violence

A 34 year-old Williston ND man was arrested Wednesday morning for assaulting his 31 year-old girlfriend.  Employees at the Homestead Resort called Leelanau Dispatch to report what they believed was an assault taking place.  Leelanau County Sheriff's deputies responded and the victim told them that she was at the resort with family and her ex-boyfriend had come to the area from North Dakota.  The victim said the man had become intoxicated and assaulted her.  Witnesses confirmed the victim's statement.

The man was arrested and remains jailed pending a bond being set for Domestic Violence.  The victim was not injured in the assault.

GTB Tribal Police arrest woman on warrant

Grand Traverse Band Tribal Police arrested Billie J. Sams, 38, early Wednesday morning.  She was wanted by Grand Traverse County on misdemeanor Contempt of Court charges.  She was taken into custody and later picked up by Grand Traverse Sheriff's deputies.