Police

The investigation continues into a car-pedestrian accident two weeks ago which resulted in the death of a Three Rivers resident. Mary Hanchon, age 92, died several days after the April 23rd incident, which occurred at the intersection of Millard Street and South Douglas Avenue. The St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office has identified the driver as 27-year-old Lavarr Funches of Three …

Deputies from the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department are investigating a larceny from a vehicle earlier this week in Burr Oak Township. The suspect stole a purse out of a vehicle parked at a business in the 64000 block of M-66 between 6:30 and 10 p.m. Monday. The purse was described as pink and green in color with a Native …

A 22-year-old man has been found guilty in the killing of a 1-year-old Kalamazoo girl who authorities say had hemorrhaging in her brain and eyes as well as alcohol and marijuana in her blood. A jury convicted Toren Hains Tuesday of felony murder and first-degree child abuse in the December 2012 death of Zoie Grace Johnston of Oshtemo Township. The …

State wildlife officials have issued arrest warrants against two southwestern Michigan residents for illegally possessing the foot and talons of a great horned owl. The owl parts were discovered at a home as police were investigating a check fraud case. Department of Natural Resources spokesman Ed Golder says the residence is in Cass County’s Marcellus Township. No arrests have been …

The number of motorcycle deaths involving riders not wearing helmets in Michigan is up. According to the latest report from the Governors Highway Safety Association, 60 people died in motorcycle accidents in the state in 2013 compared to 55 the year before. Michigan’s mandatory helmet law was changed two years ago and now allows riders with additional medical coverage, safety …

Deputies from the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department are investigating a suspicious fire that occurred Sunday evening in Nottawa Township. According to a department press release, illegally dumped trash at the Evans Lake Public Access was set on fire. The fire then spread to surrounding brush. The suspect vehicle is a white Ford F150, extended cab. The public access is …

An investigation is now underway after police shot and killed an armed robbery suspect after he opened fire on them in Niles late Friday night. Niles Police, Michigan State Police, and Berrien County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a call of an armed robbery at a fast food restaurant. Investigators say the suspect identified as 39-year old Eddie Macon Jr. of …

An inmate at the St. Joseph County Jail is dead after he hanged himself Thursday afternoon. Sheriff Brad Balk said Kenneth Huey, 43, of Three Rivers, was discovered in his cell shortly after returning from a court proceeding. The nature of the hearing centered on a domestic assault incident, Balk said. Jail personnel administered CPR and an automated external defibrillator …

A 30-year-old Fort Wayne, Ind., woman was arrested Wednesday afternoon following a rollover crash. The incident occurred on Fawn River Road near Mill Pond Road in White Pigeon Township. Police said the woman was driving east toward Sturgis when she swerved to miss an animal in the road and lost control of the vehicle, which struck two trees. The driver …

The Sturgis Police Department recently presented awards to its personnel for various honors. The Professional Service Award was given to Det./Sgt. Ryan Banaszak. He was selected for the honor by Director of Public Safety Geoff Smith. Meritorious Service Award recipients were Sgt. Jeremy Marsh, and officers Brian Cooper and Frank Noel. The award was presented for their part in a …