Sturgis public safety director arrested

Geoffrey Smith, public safety director for the city Sturgis, has been placed on administrative leave pending further investigation into a crash that occurred early Sunday, resulting in Smith being arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.

Sturgis city officials confirmed early Sunday that Smith was off-duty when the vehicle he was in crashed into an SUV in the 600 block of North Lakeview Avenue. The force of the crash pushed the SUV into another car, which then struck a minivan.

Smith was transported to the Sturgis Hospital emergency room for treatment of minor injuries.

The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department was called to investigate the incident. Sturgis city officials confirmed alcohol is believed to be a factor.

Smith was booked at the St. Joseph County jail shortly after 2 a.m. Sunday, on charges of driving under the influence of intoxicants, according to information released by the sheriff’s department. He was released early Sunday.

No additional information was immediately available.