Pedestrian dies after being hit by vehicle in Eaton County
EATON COUNTY, MI – A pedestrian died after being hit by a vehicle in Eaton County. Deputies from the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office responded to the crash, which occurred on Saginaw Highway near Upton Road at 4:36 a.m. on Friday. The pedestrian was wearing all dark clothing, deputies said. Alcohol, drugs, and speed do not appear to be factors in the crash, deputies said. The Delta Township Fire Department and Michigan Department of Transportation also responded to the scene.
mlive.comDriver of stolen work truck leads police on 3-county chase, crashes into cruiser
Calhoun County sheriff’s deputies said they responded about 11:15 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24 to Gardner Brothers Lawn & Landscape in the Springfield area for a complaint about a stolen work vehicle. A physical altercation then happened between the business owner and the theft suspect and the suspect got out of the truck. While the business owner called 911, the theft suspect stole a different work truck and drove it through a closed garage door. Eaton County sheriff’s deputies said they wanted to prevent the truck from making it to Charlotte, so they used their patrol vehicles to disable the truck. A photo released by Eaton County deputies shows the truck smashed into a cruiser.
mlive.comLarge fire destroys house, kills dog near Charlotte
EATON COUNTY, MI -- Heavy flames left an Eaton County home destroyed and dog dead Friday morning, officials said. The initial 911 caller said they could see flames from their home but was unsure what was burning, officials said. Firefighters arrived on scene about five minutes later to find heavy flames pushing from the front and second story of the house, officials said. At about 7 a.m., the occupant was found safe at a friend’s house, officials said. Charlotte Fire was assisted at the scene by the Olivet Fire Department and Bellevue Community Fire Department.
mlive.comOne injured in Eaton County shooting prompted by argument
EATON COUNTY, MI – One person was injured by a shooting Saturday morning in Eaton County, according to Michigan State Police. The person was transported to the hospital after the shooting around 9:45 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, in the 200 block of Quincy Street in Dimondale, southwest of Lansing. The victim, whose age and gender were not released, was alert and talking before being transported. Preliminary investigation by the Michigan State Police has revealed the victim and suspect knew each other and were possibly arguing over money. Troopers are working to identify both the suspect and the vehicle.
mlive.comMichigan adds 16 monkeypox infections across 7 counties
Michigan identified another 16 monkeypox virus cases last week, which increased the outbreak total 5% to 327 known infections. New cases were spread across seven counties, including Eaton County, which became the 23rd county to report its first confirmed infection. Below is a map of Michigan’s reported monkeypox cases as of Tuesday, Oct. 25. As of Tuesday, there were 28,061 total cases identified throughout the U.S. Michigan ranks 16th, far behind leaders California, New York, Florida, Texas and Georgia. For the latest updates on the 2022 monkeypox outbreak, visit the CDC website or Michigan’s monkeypox web page.
mlive.comState police trooper on motorcycle injured in Eaton County crash
EATON COUNTY, MI -- A state police trooper riding a motorcycle was injured in a two vehicle crash in Eaton County, police said. Police said a trooper from the First District Motor Unit was riding a motorcycle south on Canal Road in Delta Township about 4:20 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20. Another vehicle was going north on Canal Road and attempted a left turn onto West Saginaw Highway. The trooper was taken to a hospital for treatment of unspecified injuries. More from MLiveMichigan to pay $20M to workers falsely accused of unemployment fraudMichiganders struggle to spell this word most, study says
mlive.comEastbound I-94 lane closed for work at I-69 interchange
MARSHALL, MI -- Eastbound traffic will be reduced by one lane on Interstate 94 at the intersection of Interstate 69, as a project continues to rebuild I-69 between Island Highway in Charlotte, Eaton County, and I-94 in Marshall, Calhoun County. The work is part of Michigan Department of Transportation’s ongoing $210 million investment to rebuild the portion of I-69. This work began Monday, Sept. 19, with an estimated end date of Friday, Sept. 30, 2022, MDOT said. There will be a single-lane closure on eastbound I-94 for the duration of this work. These improvements will provide increased safety and mobility in this area of I-69, a significant local and national trade corridor, MDOT said.
mlive.comEaton County man charged with using vehicle in attempted murder
EATON COUNTY, MI -- A man is facing an attempted murder charge after allegedly running another man over with his vehicle, police said. At about 4:45 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, deputies from the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a felonious assault in the 3800 block of Bostedor Road, west of Eaton Rapids. At the scene, deputies found a 49-year-old man who had been intentionally run over by a vehicle, police said. The suspect, identified as Andrew Lavern Hoag, 46, is currently lodged at the Eaton County Jail on a $500,000 bond, police said. He was arraigned Tuesday afternoon on a charge of assault with intent to murder by Eaton County District Court Judge Julie O’Neill, officials said.
mlive.comMan fired at police during car chase through several Michigan counties
EATON COUNTY, MI -- A man was arrested Tuesday night after fleeing and shooting at police during a chase through several counties, police said. In the morning hours of Sept. 13, police agencies in western Michigan were advised to be on the lookout for a man involved in a vehicle pursuit in Branch County, where he had ran a deputy off of the road and shot at the officer.
mlive.comMan arrested after multi-hour standoff with police in Eaton County
EATON COUNTY, MI -- An armed standoff at an Eaton County home lasted nearly 10 hours Monday, police said. At about 9 a.m. Aug. 22, deputies from the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a domestic assault in the 8000 block of Katelin Drive, east of Eaton Rapids. Deputies from the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team were called to the scene, and negotiators were able to establish and maintain contact with the suspect, police said. The 47-year-old Eaton Rapids man is set to be arraigned Tuesday. Deputies were assisted by the Charlotte Police Department, Michigan State Police Bomb Squad, MSP K9 teams, Lansing Police Department and Michigan Department of Natural Resources officers.
mlive.comMichigan police make final arrest in ‘Jack in the Box’ cold case homicide
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Former Eaton County resident Beverly McCallum has been arrested on U.S. soil after an international warrant was issued. On Friday, July 8, 2022, Eaton County Sheriff’s deputies took custody of McCallum at the Grand Rapids Gerald R. Ford International Airport, police said. McCallum has been in custody since February 2020 in Rome, Italy, pending murder-related charges, police said. She is the last defendant to be charged in the “Jack in the Box” cold case. In 2020, charges were filed against her daughter, Dineane Ducharme, and Ducharme’s acquaintance, Christopher McMillan of Grand Rapids.
mlive.comMan hit by train, in critical condition in Eaton County
EATON COUNTY, MI -- A man was severely injured Friday afternoon after being hit by a train near Lansing, police said. At about 4:05 p.m. July 1, deputies from the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a train hitting a pedestrian in the area of Millett Highway and Lansing Road in Delta Township, just west of Lansing. Based on an initial investigation, police believe a Canadian National Railway train was heading southbound near Millett Highway when it struck a man on the railroad tracks. The man is currently in critical condition at a local hospital, police said. More from MLive:Officer who killed man in Jackson County acted in self-defense, officials sayBob Seger, Billy Joel tribute bands are coming to the Jackson area this summer2 hospitalized after motorcycle hits deer near Jackson1 killed in wrong-way, head-on crash on I-94 in Jackson County
mlive.comMan killed in head-on crash with semi in Eaton County
EATON COUNTY, MI -- A Saranac man died Wednesday night when the vehicle he was driving hit a semitruck head-on, police said. At about 7:40 p.m. June 22, deputies from the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office responded to the crash reported on Grand Ledge Highway east of M-50, police said. Bradly Christopher Hugmeyer, 21, from Saranac, was traveling east in a Jeep Grand Cherokee when it collided head-on with a semi traveling west, police said. This crash remains under investigation by the Eaton County Detective Bureau and Accident Investigation Team. Police were assisted at the scene by the Sunfield Township Fire Department, Woodland Township Fire Department, Woodland Township Police, Castleton Maplegrove Nashville EMS and Michgian Department of Transportation.
mlive.comMichigan reports seven COVID-19 school outbreaks or clusters as summer begins
Michigan identified seven new COVID-19 outbreaks and clusters involving 26 students and staff last week at K-12 schools. Some schools released students for the summer in early June and COVID-19 numbers across the state, especially in southeast Michigan, have been on a decline. The latest school outbreaks or clusters were in Clinton, Eaton and Washtenaw counties and Detroit. Below is an online database that allows readers to search outbreak data by school name or by city or county. Outbreak data for K-12 schools includes only cases of people or staff members infected at school or at school-related functions.
mlive.comMan suspected in violent Lansing crime arrested in Eaton County
EATON COUNTY, MI -- A man suspected in a violent crime in Lansing was arrested after an extensive search Wednesday afternoon. At about 1:25 p.m. June 15, deputies from the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Grand Ledge Police Department in apprehending a 26-year-old Lansing man involved in a violent crime and was armed with a handgun. The nature of the suspect’s crime has not been disclosed yet by police. The suspect fled the scene in Grand Ledge and eventually crashed his car in Delta Township, police said. Grand Ledge officers were assisted in this incident by the sheriff’s offices of Eaton and Clinton counties, Lansing Police Department and the Michigan State Police.
mlive.comMan charged with drilling hole in vehicle to steal gas in Eaton County
EATON COUNTY, MI -- A 35-year-old Eaton Rapids man is being investigated for several crimes in the Eaton County area after being caught hiding in a pond after a vehicle chase, police said. On Thursday, June 9, deputies from the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office took a report regarding the theft of gas from a vehicle in the parking lot of hotel in Windsor Township, eastern Eaton County. A man had drilled a hole in the fuel tank of a vehicle in the parking lot in an attempt to siphon gas, police said. Hatten fled the scene, and was later found hiding in a pond north of where he crashed, police said. Deputies found evidence of the gas theft inside the vehicle Hatten fled in, along with evidence of other crimes being investigated in the area, police said.
mlive.comPlane crashes near Lansing, occupants walk away unhurt
EATON COUNTY, MI -- No one aboard a small plane was hurt when it crashed south of Lansing Tuesday, police said. There were two people in the plane when it crashed, both of whom walked away with no injuries, police said. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board. The aircraft had been taking off from Skyway Estates Airport in Eaton Rapids prior to the crash. Teams from Shroyers Hazmat removed 25 gallons of fuel from the plane, police said, with no fuel spillage taking place.
mlive.comOne person killed in rollover crash in Eaton County
EATON COUNTY, MI – One person was killed in a crash Saturday evening. Three people were in a car around 8:36 p.m., June 4, on Marshall Road near Matthews Road in Walton Township, when the drover lost control, the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office said. The vehicle left the road and rolled over, police said. A male in the car had serious injuries and died at a local hospital, police said. More from MLive:‘He did everything’: Retiring Michigan college AD leaves 4 decades of big shoes to fill1 dead, 3 injured in shooting in heart of downtown Grand RapidsThree people killed in Saginaw shooting
mlive.comMan killed in Memorial Day motorcycle crash in Eaton County
EATON COUNTY, MI -- An Owosso man was killed in a motorcycle crash Monday, with police suspecting low tire pressure as a potential factor. The fatal crash took place Monday night on I-96 near Creyts Road in Windsor Township, eastern Eaton County, according to the Michigan State Police. At about 10:10 p.m. May 30, a motorcycle traveling west on I-96 lost control and crashed into a roadside ditch, police said. The driver, identified as 49-year-old Aaron Andrew Gorden, of Owosso, was taken to a local hospital, were he died from his injuries, police said. Drugs or alcohol do not appear to be involved, though low tire pressure could be a factor, police said.
mlive.comMan charged in triple homicide undergoing mental evaluation
EATON COUNTY, MI – A man accused of fatally shooting three family members in 2021 will need to complete a second mental evaluation before standing trial, officials said. RELATED: Eaton County triple homicide suspect arraigned on open murder chargesAs of May 27, no further court dates have been scheduled while the evaluation is underway, according to the Eaton County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The evaluation for Sougstad was ordered on March 24, and prosecutors have not received a further update in the past two months, officials said. Police were called to Sougstad’s family home on Sept. 24, 2021, for a report of an unknown disturbance, according to the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office. Prior to his preliminary examination, Sougstad underwent several weeks of psychological evaluation at the forensic center.
mlive.com2 people, including 14-year-old boy, killed in Eaton County crash
EATON COUNTY, MI -- Two people were killed and another was injured in a Sunday evening crash in Eaton County. Deputies from the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two-car crash around 9:20 p.m. May 22, at the intersection of N. Cochran Road and E. Vermontville Highway in Chester Township. An 18-year-old male driver headed south had collided with a vehicle carrying a 47-year-old man, a 47-year-old woman and a 14-year-old boy from Haslett, police said. The 47-year-old man and 14-year-old boy were pronounced dead at the scene, while the 47-year-old woman was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries, police said. Read more from The Jackson Citizen PatriotIt’s a 30-minute trip for groceries, and Jackson’s southside is begging for a closer storePartially-treated sewer discharge reported in eastern Jackson CountyFunding for summer learning programs OK’d by Jackson Public SchoolsBrooklyn man killed in crash with tree
mlive.comLansing man arrested on child pornography charges
EATON COUNTY, MI -- A Lansing man has been charged after being caught with child pornography on his computer, police said. Ruben Guillen-Cortez Jr, 27, was arrested following an investigation in which digital evidence was seized from his home, Michigan State Police said.
mlive.comBrass knuckles, meth and psychedelic mushrooms found during traffic stop
EATON COUNTY, MI -- A pair suspected of dealing drugs were arrested following a traffic stop near Charlotte Wednesday, police said. On May 11, a trooper from the Michigan State Police Lansing Post pulled over a vehicle on Lansing Road near Island Highway in Eaton County, east of Charlotte. After a search of the car, the trooper uncovered several items of contraband, police said, including an undisclosed amount of methamphetamine and psychedelic mushrooms, as well as a pair of brass knuckles. The driver of the vehicle, a 34-year-old Charlotte man, was arrested for possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, possession of Psilocybin mushrooms and carrying a concealed weapon, police said. A passenger of the vehicle, a 34-year-old woman from Eaton Rapids, was also arrested and lodged for possession of methamphetamine.
mlive.comMan arrested while fleeing scene of Eaton County shooting
EATON COUNTY, MI -- A man was arrested after shooting at but not hitting another person, in Eaton County Sunday, police said. At about 6:15 p.m. May 1, deputies from the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a man with a gun shooting at someone in the 300 block of Marketplace Boulevard in Delta Township in northeastern Eaton County. Deputies arrived to find the suspect had left the scene in a vehicle, police said. The suspect and victim knew each other, police said, and the shooting was not a random act. The shooting is still under investigation, and anyone with information is asked to call the Eaton County Detective Bureau at 517-323-8480.
mlive.com4 in custody after fight leads to stabbing in Eaton County
EATON COUNTY, MI -- A fight between juveniles in an Eaton County park ended with one participant being stabbed, police said. The alleged stabbing took place at Sharp Park in Delta Township, northeastern Eaton County. One juvenile has since been lodged at the Eaton County Youth facility. The 17-year-old victim was treated at a local hospital and released with non-critical injuries, police said. This incident is still under investigation by the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office.
mlive.comTrain hits car left stranded on the tracks after crash
EATON COUNTY, MI -- A car crash went from bad to worse Monday when one of the vehicles ended up in the path of a train. At about 1:55 p.m. April 25, a trooper from the Michigan State Police Lansing Post responded to a vehicle crash report in the area of Mt. During the crash, the vehicle that was hit was pushed back partially onto the railroad tracks, police said. Some occupants were taken to the hospital for minor injuries from the original car crash, police said. The crash is currently under investigation by the Michigan State Police.
mlive.comSuspect arrested for fatal 2021 shooting near Lansing, police say
EATON COUNTY, MI -- After more than four months, a suspect in the shooting death of a 22-year-old Lansing man has been apprehended by police. Willie James III has been arrested and charged in the murder of Antonio Taylor, according to the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office. The charge stems from the shooting death of Taylor in 2021. RELATED: Police name 22-year-old man killed in shooting near LansingAt about 5:34 p.m. Nov. 23, deputies from the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting at a clothing store in the 4000 block of West Saginaw Highway in Delta Township, near Lansing. Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to called Det.
mlive.comMichigan father dies after saving daughter from house explosion
EATON COUNTY, MI – A father died over the weekend after rescuing his daughter from their home when it exploded last week, the family said. Droscha died early Saturday, March 5, at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. Michigan State Police ruled that the explosion was accidental, MLive previously reported. The GoFundMe has raised nearly $85,000 toward a $100,000 goal. READ MORE:Winter Weather Advisory Monday as snow spreads across most of Lower MichiganMotorist rescued from flooded Michigan road after car was partially submerged in waterPossibly confused 71-year-old Michigan man killed, hit by car after picking up pizzaMan dies after being shot multiple times in West Willow neighborhood
mlive.comBeware of scammer pretending to be police officer in Eaton County, officials say
EATON COUNTY, MI -- Eaton County residents have once again found themselves in the sights of a scammer posing as law enforcement, police said. Throughout the month of February, the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office received several fraud reports in which the suspect has claimed to be a sergeant with the department, police said. “These are so unfortunate, because once that money is gone, it’s gone -- we can’t recover it,” said Eaton County Sheriff’s Captain Mark Wriggelsworth. Earlier in 2022, Eaton County was similarly targeted by a phone scammer posing as a sheriff’s deputy asking for Bitcoin. RELATED: Police report ‘significant uptick’ of scam calls in Jackson, Lansing areaPolice are urging local residents to not fall for this scam.
mlive.comMan injured in home explosion near Charlotte, officials say
EATON COUNTY, MI -- A man is recovering from severe injuries after an accidental explosion at his home Tuesday. At about 1:30 p.m. March 1, the Charlotte Fire Department responded to a reported explosion in the area of M-50 and South Stewart Road in Eaton Township. Rescue crews found two people on scene who had been injured in the explosion -- a father and his young child, officials said. The young girl was treated at the scene by Benton Charter Township EMS, and was not injured, officials said. About half of the back side of the house was blown off in the explosion, Vogel said.
mlive.comTeen injured in Eaton County shooting, police say
EATON COUNTY, MI -- Gunshots heard while on patrol led police to the scene of a shooting that left a teenager injured, police said. At about 1 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22, deputies from the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office responded to gunshots heard in the area of St. Joseph Street west of Waverly Road. Deputies found evidence of a shooting behind apartments on Harvest Lane, south of St. Joseph, including multiple spent shell casings and an abandoned firearm, police said. After finding the scene of the alleged shooting, deputies received a call from Sparrow Hospital regarding a 16-year-old who had been admitted to the emergency room with an arm injury related to this shooting, police said. Eaton County deputies were assisted by the Lansing Police Department, Lansing Township Police Department, Grand Ledge Police Department and Michigan State Police.
mlive.comScammer posing as Eaton County deputy is asking for Bitcoin, police say
EATON COUNTY, MI -- A scam caller has been targeting Eaton County under the guise of a sheriff’s deputy, police said. Eaton County residents have reported being contacted by someone impersonating an Eaton County Sheriff’s Office deputy, saying they have missed a DNA test and have a warrant out for their arrest, police said. Victims of the impersonator are then told to withdraw a large amount of money from their bank accounts and call the “deputy” back, police said. The sheriff’s office wants to remind residents that it will never contact citizens telling them they have warrants, or ask for payment over the phone. Bird likes to cuddleOur 9 favorite photos as Chelsea battles Jackson in boys basketballWhere to find free KN95 masks in Jackson County
mlive.comWoman sentenced to life for suffocating, beating man to death in 2002
EATON COUNTY, MI — Two decades after a man’s badly-burned remains were found in a footlocker in West Michigan, the second of three suspects has been convicted. Dineane Ducharme was sentenced to a mandatory life sentence Monday by Eaton County Circuit Judge Janice Cunningham.
mlive.comVehicle crashes into house, severs gas line in Eaton County, police say
EATON COUNTY, MI -- An earlier morning crash left an Eaton County home with a hole in its wall and a ruptured gas line, police said. At about 2:56 a.m. Wednesday Jan. 26, a trooper from the Michigan State Police Lansing Post responded to a crash on eastbound M-50 near Canfield Road in Eaton County. A vehicle with four occupants had left the road, striking a nearby house, police said. Neither the homeowner or any of the occupants in the vehicle were injured in the crash, police said. Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Eaton Rapids Police Department, Eaton County Sheriff’s Office and Eaton Rapids Township Fire.
mlive.comJudge finds Eaton County man fit to stand trial in triple homicide
EATON COUNTY, MI – A man accused of fatally shooting three family members in 2021 has been deemed fit to stand trial. Eaton County District Judge Julie O’Neill found there was enough evidence for Sougstad to stand trial, officials said. He is scheduled to appear before Eaton County Circuit Judge John Maurer on Feb. 18 for a pretrial hearing. RELATED: Eaton County triple homicide suspect arraigned on open murder chargesPolice were called to the home on Sept. 25, for a report of an unknown disturbance, according to the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office. More from MLive:Jackson County commissioner seriously injured in Florida skydiving accidentPolice ID man killed in Jackson County crash69-year-old man shot over video game system at Jackson apartment complex, police sayOmicron variant detected in Eaton County resident
mlive.comOmicron variant detected in Eaton County resident
EATON COUNTY, MI – The omicron variant has been detected in Eaton County, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The Barry-Eaton District Health Department reports that state health officials notified it that the omicron variant of COVID-19 was identified in one Eaton County resident on Dec. 22. BEDHD officials said they expect there are many more cases of omicron present in the area at this time.
mlive.comMan crashes vehicle into Eaton County home
EATON COUNTY, MI – It may be the holidays, but a homeowner in Eaton County received an unwanted visitor on Wednesday afternoon. According to the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office, an elderly male lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a house on Waverly Road near Edgemont Boulevard. Photos posted by the sheriff’s department show a silver sedan that crashed through the front window of the home, causing severe damage both inside and outside. Fortunately, no one was hurt in the crash, according to the sheriff’s department.
mlive.comWoman injured, suspect arrested in Eaton County shooting, police say
EATON COUNTY, MI -- A woman has been hospitalized with non-critical injuries after a Wednesday shooting in Eaton County, police said. At about 10:37 a.m. Dec. 15, deputies from the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the 7000 block of East Five Point Highway near Eaton Rapids for a report of a man with a gun. Initial reports mentioned that the man had shot a woman outside of a residence, and that a child was still inside the house, police said. The suspect was found and arrested later in the day, police said. Eaton County was aided by Michigan State Police, Eaton Rapids Police Department, Charlotte Police Department and the Lansing Police Department.
mlive.com81-year-old man killed in I-69 crash, police say
EATON COUNTY, MI -- An 81-year-old Olivet man was killed in a car crash in Eaton County on Saturday, police said. Eaton County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the single-vehicle crash on northbound I-69 south of Cochran Road at about 3:45 p.m. Dec. 11, to find the car had driven off the road and struck a tree, police said. A passenger in the vehicle, an elderly woman, was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries, police said. More from the Jackson Citizen Patriot:Firefighters ‘help in a different way’ this winter, delivering coats to children in JacksonCelebrating New Year’s Eve in Jackson? Nevermore Décor Store is a hidden gem for gifts in downtown JacksonSee the holiday lights at Nite Lites at Michigan International Speedway
mlive.comUSA Gymnastics, USOPC reach $380M settlement with victims
FILE - Larry Nassar listens as Rachael Denhollander gives her victim impact statement, Feb. 2, 2018, in Eaton County Circuit Court in Charlotte, Mich. The legal wrangling between USA Gymnastics and the victims of sexual abuse by Nassar, among others, is over. A federal bankruptcy court in Indianapolis on Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, confirmed a $380 million settlement between USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee and the hundreds of victims, ending one aspect of the fallout of the largest sexual abuse scandal in the history of the U.S. Olympic movement. (Matthew Dae Smith/Lansing State Journal via AP, File)AP
mlive.comPolice name 22-year-old man killed in shooting near Lansing
EATON COUNTY, MI -- Police are still looking for suspects in a fatal Nov. 23 shooting near Lansing. At about 5:34 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23, deputies from the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting at a clothing store in the 4000 block of West Saginaw Highway in Delta Township, near Lansing. A man was found at the scene, having suffered a gunshot wound, according to the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office. The victim, 22-year-old Antonio Taylor, of Lansing, later died from his injuries at the hospital, police said. Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to called Det.
mlive.comPsychological evaluation ordered for man accused killing parents, brother in Eaton County
EATON COUNTY, MI – A man accused of fatally shooting three family members will undergo a psychological evaluation before his next court appearance. Daniel James Sougstad, 23, of Lansing, was ordered to undergo the evaluation after a probable cause conference on Oct. 25, according to the Eaton County Prosecutor’s Office. Sougstad is charged with three counts each of open murder and felony firearms, stemming from the fatal shooting of John, Barbara and Ryan Sougstad -- identified in court as the defendant’s father, mother and brother -- in their Eaton County home in September. RELATED: Eaton County triple homicide suspect arraigned on open murder chargesPolice were called to the home on Sept. 25, for a report of an unknown disturbance, according to the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office. Sougstad was quickly developed as a suspect and was arrested during a traffic stop Sunday, Sept. 26, in Ingham County.
mlive.comEaton County triple homicide suspect arraigned on open murder charges
EATON COUNTY, MI – A man accused of fatally shooting three family members Friday night has been arraigned on murder charges. Daniel James Sougstad was arraigned Monday, Sept. 27, in Eaton County District Court on three counts each of open murder and felony firearms, records show. Sougstad, 23, of Lansing, is accused of fatally shooting three family members in their home in the 10000 block of Bishop Highway in Eaton County. Man killed 3 family members in Eaton County triple homicide, police sayPolice were called to the home Friday, Sept. 25, for a report of an unknown disturbance, according to the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office. Sougstad is currently being held without bond in the Eaton County Jail.
mlive.comMan killed 3 family members in Eaton County triple homicide, police say
EATON COUNTY, MI – Police investigating a triple homicide in Eaton County said the victims are all family members of the suspected shooter who currently is in police custody. Police were called Friday, Sept. 25, to a home in the 10000 block of Bishop Highway for an unknown disturbance, according to the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office. The man was found Sunday morning during a traffic stop in Ingham County and was arrested without incident. Police arrest Eaton County triple murder suspectMLive is not releasing names of the suspect or victims as he has not yet been arraigned on charges. The shooting suspect is currently in the Eaton County Jail awaiting arraignment on three counts each of open murder and felony firearms.
mlive.comPolice arrest Eaton County triple murder suspect
EATON COUNTY, MI – The Eaton County Sheriff’s Office arrested a triple murder suspect Saturday morning. The murders occurred Friday night, Sept. 24, in Windsor Township, southwest of Lansing. Police searched for the suspect overnight, saying he was believed to be armed and dangerous and heading to the Upper Peninsula. Shortly before 7 a.m., the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office said the suspect was in custody. Prosecutors have yet to issue charges against the suspect.
mlive.comATV crash kills 29-year-old man in Eaton County, police say
EATON COUNTY, MI -- A 29-year-old man died in an ATV crash Saturday night. Tyler Murphy, of Williamston, was killed late Sept. 18 in a crash near the 4000 block of East St. Joe Highway in Oneida Township, northern Eaton County, police said. According to the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office, Murphy died after the vehicle rolled on top of him. Murphy, the lone rider of the vehicle, was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. More from MLive:Pair of 17-year-olds dead, two seriously injured Lenawee County crashSemi-trailer containing $300K of TVs stolen in Monroe CountyMobile home fire near Jackson deemed ‘suspicious,’ officials sayFormer Jackson elementary school could become $7.5M apartment, office space
mlive.com500 new full-time jobs expected at new Amazon fulfillment coming to Eaton County
EATON COUNTY, MI – Amazon is opening a new fulfillment center in Eaton County’s Delta Charter Township that’s expected to bring 500 new full-time jobs to mid-Michigan, officials said. In addition to the Delta Township facility, Amazon will add additional operations facilities in the Grand Rapids and metro Detroit areas, officials said. Since 2010, Amazon has invested more than $6 billion in Michigan and has created more than 21,000 jobs statewide. The company plans to add more than 1,500 jobs by the end of 2021 inside its recently launched facilities, officials said. “This will be good for our region,” Ken Fletcher, Delta township supervisor, said in a statement.
mlive.comPolice identify mother and child killed in fiery Eaton County crash
EATON COUNTY, MI – Police have released the names of a mother and her young child who were killed Sunday afternoon in a fiery crash in Eaton County. Natasha Harrington, 35, and her son Dimitri Harrington, 4, have been identified as the two victims who died in the crash, according to the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office. Mother, child die in fiery Eaton County crash as bystanders rush to free victimsBoth were residents of Rives Junction in Jackson County, police said. According to her obituary, Harrington worked as a customer representative at the University of Michigan Bio Medical Research Store. “We want to thank all that helped at this tragic scene,” Eaton County Sheriff Tom Reich said.
mlive.comMother, child die in fiery Eaton County crash as bystanders rush to free victims
EATON COUNTY, MI – A mother and her young child were killed Sunday afternoon in a fiery crash in Eaton County. Prior to crews arriving, several bystanders were able to free one occupant from the vehicle as it caught fire, police said. The identities of the deceased are not being released at this time and the crash remains under investigation. “We want to thank all that helped at this tragic scene,” Eaton County Sheriff Tom Reich said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the family, friends, bystanders and first responders that have been affected by this awful crash.
mlive.comMichigan man charged with disinterment and mutilation of a body
Andrew Michael Paul, 23, of Eaton Rapids Township was arraigned Tuesday afternoon and charged with one count of homicide open murder and one count of disinterment and mutilation of a dead body in the death of Carl Florian, 80, of Eaton Rapids Township.
How the case against John Geddert may usher in new era in fight to protect athletes
LANSING, Mich. – The human trafficking and abuse case against former U.S. gymnastics coach John Geddert is over after he took his own life at a rest stop, but legal experts believe the way he was charged may be a new beginning in the fight to protect young athletes. READ: Hours after being charged with 24 felonies, former gymnastics coach John Geddert kills himselfWhen the state charged Geddert with 20 counts of human trafficking in February, each count was for a specific allegation of forced labor -- 14 counts against adult athletes, six counts against minors. It was a novel approach by prosecutors that could potentially set the stage for future cases against major amateur sports organizations or colleges. AdREAD: Why was John Geddert allowed to turn himself in? He spent years as an investigator for the NCAA, looking into complaints of mistreatment made by athletes against coaches or team officials.
Why was John Geddert allowed to turn himself in?
The Michigan Sexual Assault Hotline offers anonymous assistance and support without judgement. John Geddert, the former U.S. Olympics coach and former owner of Twistars Gymnastics, killed himself Thursday just hours after he was charged with 24 felonies. READ: Hours after being charged with 24 felonies, former gymnastics coach John Geddert kills himselfGeddert would have faced multiple counts of human trafficking, some involving minors. AdNessel announced the 24 felony charges against the former gymnastics coach at a press conference Thursday afternoon. We later found out he did not turn himself in.”AdThe statement went on to say that having Geddert turn himself in was standard procedure and “We had no indication that Geddert intended to flee or hurt himself or others.
Court documents outline allegations against John Geddert, charges he faced before he killed himself
John Geddert, the former U.S. Olympics coach and former owner of Twistars Gymnastics, killed himself Thursday just hours after he was charged with multiple felonies. AdREAD: Officials say former gymnastics coach John Geddert was expected to be arraigned same day he kills himselfWho was John Geddert? Court documents outline numerous allegations of verbal, physical, emotional abuse that young women and girls endured because of Geddert. Officials said one survivor reported that between 2010 and 2013, Geddert verbally abused her and controlled what she ate. According to the documents, a survivor told investigators that she was sexually abused by Geddert in the locker room after practice when she was 14 years old.
‘You will have shut the door on the pursuit of justice’ -- MSU, AG reach stalemate in Nassar investigation
LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said the investigation into Michigan State University involvement with Larry Nassar is going nowhere. According to the Attorney General’s office, the investigation remains inconclusive and nearly 6,000 school documents have not been released to investigators. Nessel sent a letter to the MSU Board of Trustees Wednesday and requested access to the 6,000 documents. “You will have shut the door on the pursuit of justice,” Nessel said in the letter. Klages was convicted of lying to a police officer in the Nassar investigation and sentenced to 90 days jail.
Gymnasts, parents react to death of former coach John Geddert
DIMONDALE, Mich. – After news that former gymnastics coach John Geddert killed himself Thursday, gymnasts and parents are speaking out. Hours before his death, 24 felony charges were filed against Geddert, including 20 counts of human trafficking, six of them involving a minor. READ: Hours after being charged with 24 felonies, former gymnastics coach John Geddert kills himselfAdMeinke was coached by Geddert at a young age at Great Lakes Gymnastics. READ: Officials say former gymnastics coach John Geddert was expected to be arraigned same day he kills himselfAdHowever, the latest scandal reminded Wieber that they were surrounded by criminals at all levels. “I just would have thought John would have thought fought for his innocence and so it made me think ‘Okay, maybe he wasn’t innocent.’ Who knows but...
Officials say former gymnastics coach John Geddert was expected to be arraigned same day he kills himself
WATERTOWN TOWNSHIP, Mich – A rest area along I-96 in Grand Ledge was shut down for hours, and Michigan State Police and its evidence technicians were called out after the body of John Geddert was found behind a dumpster. Twenty-four charges were filed against the former Olympics coach, who was expected to present himself for an arraignment Thursday afternoon. READ: Hours after being charged with 24 felonies, former gymnastics coach John Geddert kills himselfGeddert was the Team USA women’s gymnastics coach in the 2012 Olympics. Geddert and Nassar were friends, and the charges against Geddert unveiled on Thursday by Attorney General Dana Nessel are serious -- 24 counts total. “It is alleged John Geddert used force, fraud and coercion against the young athletes who came to him for gymnastics training for financial benefit to him,” Nessel said.
Hours after being charged with 24 felonies, former gymnastics coach John Geddert kills himself
LANSING, Mich. – John Geddert, the former U.S. Olympics coach and former owner of Twistars Gymnastics, killed himself Thursday hours after he was charged with 24 felonies. READ: Former US Olympics coach John Geddert kills himself following announcement of felony chargesPolice confirmed Geddert’s body was found at a rest stop on I-96 in Grand Ledge just after 3:20 p.m. Geddert was expected to be arraigned at 2 p.m. Thursday on 24 felonies, but he did not show up to the hearing. During Nassar’s trial, multiple gymnasts said they held Geddert responsible for Nassar’s abuse and said Geddert had enabled Nassar. Nessel announced the 24 felony charges against the former gymnastics coach at a press conference Thursday afternoon.
Former US Olympics coach John Geddert kills himself following announcement of felony charges
GRAND LEDGE, Mich. – Police have confirmed John Geddert, the former U.S. Olympics coach and former owner of Twistars Gymnastics, killed himself Thursday at a rest stop in Grand Ledge. He was 63 years old. According to the Michigan State Police, Geddert’s body was found at a rest area on eastbound I-96 just after 3:20 p.m.UPDATE: Hours after being charged with 24 felonies, former gymnastics coach John Geddert kills himselfProsecutors filed charges earlier that day in Eaton County against Geddert. READ: Ex-Olympics coach with ties to Nassar faces 20 human trafficking charges among othersAdThe former U.S. Olympics coach had ties to disgraced sports doctor Larry Nassar, who was sentenced to 60 years in federal prison -- 40-125 years in Eaton County prison and 40-175 years in Ingham County prison -- after more than 150 victims came forward accusing him of sexual assault. The following felony charges were filed against Geddert:14 charges of human trafficking -- forced labor resulting in injurySix charges of human trafficking of a minor for forced laborOne count of criminal enterprises -- racketeering proceedsOne count first degree criminal sexual conductOne county second degree criminal sexual conductOne count lying to a peace officer during a violent crime investigationMichigan Attorney General Dana Nessel called Geddert’s death “a tragic end to a tragic story for everyone involved.”
Ex-Olympics coach with ties to Nassar faces 20 human trafficking charges among others
LANSING, Mich. – Prosecutors filed charges Thursday in Eaton County against the former owner of Twistars Gymnastics, John Geddert. The former U.S. Olympics coach had ties to disgraced sports doctor Larry Nassar, who was sentenced to 60 years in federal prison -- 40-125 years in Eaton County prison and 40-175 years in Ingham County prison -- after more than 150 victims came forward accusing him of sexual assault. UPDATE: Former US Olympics coach John Geddert kills himself following announcement of felony chargesGeddert was the head coach of the U.S. Olympics Gymnastics team in 2012. Geddert, 63, is accused of injuring people for years through forced labor, recruiting minors for forced labor and molestation. “I am grateful for these survivors coming forward to cooperate with our investigation and for bravely sharing their stories.”
Eaton County woman rescued from subzero temperatures after car gets stuck in snow
A 43-year-old Michigan woman is happy to be alive after her car got stuck in the snow amid subzero temperatures this week. According to Eaton County Sheriff Tom Reich, the woman was leaving work early Tuesday morning when her Ford Blazer got stuck. Because the snow was so high, police officers had to use the assistance of nearly the entire community to help the woman. Ad“(It was) with the help of Michigan State Police, the deputy sheriff at Eaton County Sheriff’s Office, as well as Grand Ledge Fire and their EMS, the Eaton County Road Commission’s office as well as a landscape business,” Reich said. It’s also recommended that drivers use main roads if no snow has been plowed on your usual daily routes.
Live stream: Michigan Gov. Whitmer, SOS Benson discuss voting in November election
LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson are holding a news conference Tuesday to talk about voting in the upcoming presidential election. Whitmer, Benson and Delta Township Clerk Mary Clark will talk about voting opportunities and the Nov. 3 election. Whitmer will also sign legislation to make sure every vote is counted and residents can vote safely during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, officials said. You can watch live in the stream above.
Construction worker struck, killed on Sherwood Highway in Eaton County
WALTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A construction worker was killed when a pickup truck struck him Thursday afternoon along Sherwood Highway over I-69 in Walton Township. Michigan State Police said the 40-year-old road worker, of Gladwin, Mich., was working on the road when a full-sized pickup truck hit him. Police do not consider alcohol and/or drugs to be a factor in the crash. The highway was shut down Thursday afternoon while police investigated. Related: ‘He was the best guy I knew’ -- Family mourns construction worker killed in hit-and-run on I-94
Man dies 1 month after mask-related stabbing at Dimondale convenience store
Police say at about 6:47 a.m. on that day, Sean Ruis, 43, of Grand Ledge, entered the convenience store in Dimondale without wearing a mask. Ruis was also reportedly denied service for his failure to comply with face mask requirements, police said. Police say Ruis was fleeing the scene of the stabbing in Dimondale and was located by an Eaton County deputy about 30 minutes later in Delta Township. The Eaton County deputy was not injured during the altercation. “It’s very unfortunate she had to use her weapon, but she had to save her life,” Eaton County Sheriff Tom Reich said.
911 call paints chaotic picture after man was stabbed over mask dispute in Eaton County
EATON COUNTY, Mich. – Local 4 Defenders obtained a recording of the 911 call that led to a deadly confrontation Tuesday in the Lansing area between a sheriff’s deputy and a man armed with a knife. The armed man is accused of stabbing a customer at a Quality Dairy store in Dimondale during an argument over wearing a mask. “A customer just stabbed another customer over a mask and then took off out of the parking lot,” the clerk told 911. Whitmer can’t understand violence ‘over wearing piece of cloth on your face’An Eaton County Sheriff’s deputy found Ruis and initiate a traffic stop. The clerk told dispatch the man was stabbed in the neck repeatedly.
Body cam video released of deadly confrontation between sheriff’s deputy and stabbing suspect
EATON COUNTY, Mich. – Police have released body cam video of a deadly confrontation in the Lansing area between a sheriff’s deputy and a man armed with a knife. The armed man is accused of stabbing a customer at a Quality Dairy store in Dimondale during an argument over wearing a mask. The suspect was later shot and killed when officials said he pulled his knife on a deputy. READ: Video shows Michigan mask-related stabbing suspect lunging at deputy with knives before being fatally shotHome surveillance video shows Ruis walking toward the deputy, ignoring orders to drop the knife and then charging. The body camera footage shows Ruis had two knives in his right hand and a screwdriver in his left.
Body cam video released of deadly confrontation between sheriff’s deputy and stabbing suspect
Body cam video released of deadly confrontation between sheriff’s deputy and stabbing suspectPublished: July 14, 2020, 11:10 pmPolice have released body cam video of a deadly confrontation in the Lansing area between a sheriff’s deputy and a man armed with a knife.
Deputy fatally shoots Michigan man wanted for stabbing customer during mask argument
DELTA TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A Michigan man who refused to wear a mask inside a store was later shot and killed by a deputy after he stabbed another customer during an argument about the mask issue, police said. Investigators said the argument happened around 6:45 a.m. Tuesday at the Quality Dairy store in Dimondale. The argument ended with a 77-year-old Lansing man suffering from stab wounds. The manager of the store said Sean Ernest Ruis, 43, of Grand Ledge, stabbed the 77-year-old man simply because he asked Ruis to put on a mask. Video shows Ruis walking toward the deputy, who said Ruis was armed with a knife.
Deputy fatally shoots Michigan man wanted for stabbing customer during mask argument
Deputy fatally shoots Michigan man wanted for stabbing customer during mask argumentPublished: July 14, 2020, 5:13 pmA Michigan man who refused to wear a mask inside a store was later shot and killed by a deputy after he stabbed another customer during an argument about the mask issue, police said.
Michigan man killed after stabbing customer during mask argument, pulling knife on deputy, MSP says
DELTA TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A Michigan man who stabbed another customer at a convenience store during an argument over wearing a mask was later shot and killed when he pulled his knife on a deputy, Michigan State Police say. UPDATE: Deputy fatally shoots Michigan man wanted for stabbing customer during mask argumentThe incident happened around 6:45 a.m. Tuesday at the Quality Dairy store in Dimondale, according to authorities. Ruis was also refused service by the store because he wouldn’t wear a mask, officials said. Ruis pulled out a knife and stabbed the other man before fleeing the store, according to MSP. An Eaton County deputy saw Ruis at 7:13 a.m. on Jerryson Drive in Delta Township and initiated a traffic stop, officials said.
Man killed by police after mask dispute at Michigan store
The scene where a 77-year-old man was stabbed by a 43-year-old man Tuesday morning, July 14, 2020, outside of a Quality Dairy on Lansing Road in Windsor Township, Michigan. A Grand Ledge man who stabbed an elderly man outside a Quality Dairy store after being refused service for not wearing a mask was shot and killed by an Eaton County deputy several miles away, Michigan State Police said. (Matthew Dae Smith/Lansing State Journal via AP)GRAND LEDGE, Mich. A man was fatally shot Tuesday by a Michigan sheriff's deputy after stabbing another man who had challenged him about not wearing a mask at a convenience store, police said. The shooting occurred in Eaton County, southwest of Lansing, about 30 minutes after the stabbing at a Quality Dairy store, state police Lt. Brian Oleksyk said. He earlier stabbed a 77-year-old man inside the Quality Dairy when he was confronted about not wearing a mask, Oleksyk said.
Boy improving after Michigan buggy crash kills 3 siblings
CHARLOTTE, Mich. - The condition of a Michigan boy who survived a horse-drawn buggy crash that killed his three siblings improved Thursday, a day after the tragedy that shocked the local Amish community. The buggy was struck from behind. "I bawled all the way home," said Kevin Newton, who often drives for the Amish and knew the victims. Jerri Nesbitt of the county sheriff's office said the 6-year-old boy had a "good night," despite leg and head injuries, and was in stable condition. "It's an unspeakable loss for any parent to lose their children in a manner like this," Undersheriff Jeff Cook said.
3 children killed in vehicle-buggy crash in West Michigan
CHESTER TOWNSHIP, Mich. - Authorities in Michigan say three children were killed and another was injured after a motor vehicle struck their horse-drawn buggy. Eaton County Undersheriff Jeff Cook says the buggy was struck from behind Wednesday as it traveled along Vermontville Highway near Charlotte in southern Michigan. Cook says emergency responders arrived at the crash to find three of the children dead and a fourth seriously injured. The names of the victims weren't immediately released. He could not confirm if they were headed home from school when the crash occurred.
Tornado warning issued for parts of western Michigan
The radar on Sept. 11, 2019 at 8:20 p.m. (WDIV)GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Eaton County is under a tornado warning until 9 p.m. Wednesday. Warnings for Kent and Ionia expired. Track: Metro Detroit Weather Radar pageWeather radarKeep an eye out for severe weather alerts and the radar here:Tweets by NWSGrandRapidsCopyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.
Michigan Lottery: Man wins $1M Mega Millions prize
Winning a $1 million Mega Millions prize means less stress and financial security for an Eaton County man. He bought the winning ticket at Bill’s Party Store, located at 1153 East Grand River in Portland. “I buy Mega Millions tickets for each drawing,” said Guilford. Mega Millions drawings take place each Tuesday and Friday evening. Each Mega Millions play is only $2.
Michigan Lottery: Winning $1M Mega Millions ticket sold at gas station
A lucky Michigan Lottery player who bought a Mega Millions ticket in Eaton County for Friday’s drawing is walking around with a ticket worth $1 million. A lucky player matched the five white balls drawn – 18-24-31-34-55 – in Friday’s drawing to win a $1 million prize. Mega Millions drawings take place each Tuesday and Friday evening. Each Mega Millions play is only $2. Mega Millions tickets for may be purchased online at MichiganLottery.com and at the Lottery’s 11,000 retailers around the state until 10:45 p.m. the day of the drawing.