WASHTENAW COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

For National Missing Person Day on Friday (Feb. 3) the Ann Arbor Police Department reminded the community of four people who went missing from Tree Town.

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The Monroe County Sheriff's Office this week announced a promotion and four new hires.

Christopher Maccines, 28, was arrested in Milan, Michigan, on Friday by the U.S. Marshals Service Detroit Fugitive Apprehension Team.

Some of the fires have been started in trashcans or dumpsters, and have resulted in at least five housefires.

After several suspicious fires, families were forced from their homes in a Washtenaw County community. Four fires within a week and a half now have state police investigating. Fortunately, nobody has been hurt, but neighbors are concerned a serial arsonist is setting these fires.

The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office is looking for information after a man broke into a home on the 300 block of Cambridge Drive in Dexter, around 15 minutes northwest of Ann Arbor.

On Saturday, community members can drop off old, expired or unused medications at five drive-thru “Take Back” sites across Washtenaw County.

Earlier in April, the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office started gathering community input about using the technology to curb crime.

A woman and two men were involved in a plan to ask a worker inside an Ypsilanti cellphone store several questions before tying him up, strangling him with a rope and beating him bloody, officials said. They then stole several items and fled to an apartment 1,000 feet away, according to authorities.

A new crime-fighting tool in Ypsilanti Township has some people concerned about privacy. The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office is presenting a plan to use license plate readers to help fight crime.

A Washtenaw County corrections officer was taken to the hospital after being attacked in the medical unit of the county’s jail Wednesday afternoon.

All Ann Arbor Public Schools buildings will be closed on Friday as the district, law enforcement review threats made online.

Officials with the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office are warning residents to be extra vigilant of scam calls this holiday season.

Around 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 15, sheriff’s office deputies responded to a reported shooting on the 1700 block of Smith Street.

Police are actively investigating the incidents, which happed around 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 13 on the 200 block of Riverview Drive in Ann Arbor Township.

William “Bob” Robert Miller was last seen at his home on the 1700 block of Knollwood Bend on Monday, Nov. 8.

A 43-year-old man was shot early Thursday morning in Ypsilanti Township, and police took another man into custody, officials said.

An investigation continues into a recent armed robbery at an Ypsilanti store.

A video shows parents in Washtenaw County urging their kids to ignore their high school’s mask mandate and enter the school.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office at 734-971-8400.

A former Washtenaw County Sheriff’s deputy is working with his wife to raise awareness about police suicide and mental health.

A rollover crash shuts down Superior Road between Huron River Drive and Geddes Road in Superior Township for five hours.

Two teenagers were killed and another was critically injured Monday in a crash in Washtenaw County, police said.

The last few days have been frustrating for one couple, whose car was stolen outside of their Ypsilanti home.

A Dexter woman has been missing since Thursday afternoon.

A family member of the victim called police after finding the home ransacked, police said. High-end jewelry and the victim’s vehicle were also missing.

“I was yelling at him, ‘Please, don’t stop breathing. Don’t die. Please, don’t stop breathing,’” Craiger said.

Deputies are investigating a shooting involving four teens after one of them, a 17-year-old, was shot in the head, according to officials.

The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a home invasion that occurred on the 5900 block of Redstone Ct. in Scio Township.

On Tuesday, the Sheriff’s Office warned community members through a social media post that three Ypsilanti Township residents had been scammed out of $2,000.

A pedestrian who confronted a driver about speeding through an Ypsilanti Township neighborhood was thrown off the truck when the driver sped away during the exchange, police said.

The incident happened around 3 p.m. on Thursday in the area of Michigan Avenue and Congress Street, police said.

SUPERIOR TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Washtenaw County police are asking Superior Township residents to avoid an active police situation in the area of Meadow Drive and Gale Road, between Cherry Hill and Vreeland roads, on Thursday morning. According to the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office, a gunman has barricaded himself inside a home in the 5600 block of Meadow Drive as of 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning. Officials say the situation began as a domestic altercation between the gunman and his parents. Family members were safely evacuated from the home Wednesday morning, but the gunman refused to come out and remained inside the home. The gunman is still barricaded inside the home.

PITTSFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. – On Monday, the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office announced it is now vaccinating incarcerated individuals at Washtenaw County Jail against the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Due to their close quarters, those within the jail are susceptible to outbreaks and have the potential to become “community spreaders”, officials said. In a statement, Washtenaw County Sheriff Jerry Clayton highlighted steps WCSO and its partners have taken during the pandemic to reduce the risk of spreading the virus within the jail. Those entering the jail can receive the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. WCSO also has an online tracking COVID-19 data within Washtenaw County Jail.

A person is wanted for questioning by the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office regarding a homicide in Ypsilanti Township. YPSILANTI TOWNSHIP, Mich. – The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the homicide of a young man that happened Saturday. Henry Peoples Ross, 32, was found by deputies after being shot in the driver’s seat of a vehicle, according to the WCSO. His body was found by deputies who were responding to a single vehicle crash in the northwest corner of the Ranches of Rosebrook apartment complex near Russell Boulevard in Ypsilanti Township. The person pictured above is wanted for questioning in connection with the case.

SUPERIOR TOWNSHIP, Mich. – The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of 41-year-old Luis Rivera-Estrada in Superior Township. Deputies said that at about 8 a.m. on Feb. 19, authorities were dispatched to a vehicle on fire near Clark and LeForge roads. Rivera-Estrada was found dead inside after first responders were able to extinguish the fire. No further information was released at this time. Anyone with information related to the incident or on Rivera-Estrada’s whereabouts 72 hours prior to being found is asked to contact Detective Mike Babycz at babyczm@washtenaw.org or 734-260-9602.

SUPERIOR TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Sunday night at 9:42 p.m., Washtenaw Metro Dispatch received a report of multiple people shot at the 1000 block of Knollwood Bend in Superior Township. Upon arriving to the scene, deputies discovered a 26-year-old Superior Township man and a 29-year-old Ypsilanti man who both suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Both were in serious condition, triaged at the scene and transported by Huron Valley Ambulance to a nearby hospital. A third individual with multiple gunshot wounds, a 30-year-old from Superior Township, transported himself to the hospital and was listed in serious condition. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office’s anonymous tip line at 734-973-7711.

YPSILANTI, Mich. – A 26-year-old man recently reported a suspicious Washtenaw County based traffic stop involving a possible police impersonator. On Thursday, Feb. 11 at around 7:30 p.m. the Ypsilanti man called police to report the traffic stop he was involved in. According to the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office, the vehicle that pulled him over had red and blue lights. The Ypsilanti man then drove off since he knew the interaction was suspicious. AdAnyone with information is asked to call the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office at 734-973-7711.

It’s this absurd cycle, along with reincarceration, that we are focused on.”While all inmates receive free basic care items upon incarceration, like deodorant, soap, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and feminine hygiene products,it's up to the inmate to fund other essentials, usually by having friends or family supply commissary funds. However, if the inmate is unable to pay for services or supplies, they begin incurring debt, and when money is dropped into their commissary accounts, it goes toward the debt.This, as Sheriff Clayton says, is an “absurd cycle” that prevents inmates from seeking health services, and makes it more difficult for inmates to get back on their feet financially once they've been released. This reliance on outside funds to pay off debt can also create rifts between families and can create a barrier to reunification or continued financial support.According to the Sheriff's Office, there is a notable improvement in mood and behavior when individuals are able to access supplies and services beyond those provided upon entry, which creates a safer environment for jail staff and incarcerated individuals.In addition to the debt relief, the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office is also looking to adjust fees for services, such as medical care, copies of paperwork, barber services, intake kits, booking fees, and over the counter medication. According to a recent breakdown of fees and debt that have accrued since 2013, more than 17,198 individuals are affected by more than $291,318 in booking fee debt and more than 4,580 individuals owe a combined total of $64,867 for medication.The move by Sheriff Clayton's office follows suit with progressive policy changes made by Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit, who, since being appointed last month, has committed to no longer charging cases involving marijuana or magic mushrooms , nor will the county pursue charges for consensual sex work , or low-level offenses for juveniles . Savit has also banned drug charges from racist 'pretext stops '.You can read the full press release at Washtenaw.gov

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office is reminding football fans and community members of the dangers of drunk driving. With the Super Bowl happening on Sunday, the Sheriff’s Office has released tips for staying safe before, during and after the big game on Friday. Remind guests to have a designated driver before the event and to pace themselves, eat food and drink water. Related: Officials plead: Don’t let Super Bowl become superspreaderAdCommunity members that spot drivers under the influence of substances should call 9-1-1, according to the Sheriff’s Office. The WCSO release notes that in 2019, 10,142 people were killed in drunk driving crashes.

BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP, Mich. – While serving a search warrant Saturday, the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office located the body of a man wanted in connection with a Christmas Eve road rage shooting. ORIGINAL STORY: Washtenaw County deputies search for suspect in road rage shootingAccording to authorities, the road rage incident happened neat the intersection of Alber and Textile roads in Lodi Township at about 9:45 a.m. Deputies said the suspect fired gunshots, hitting the victim’s vehicle multiple times. The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office said they were able to identify a potential suspect through tips provided to authorities. Police said the deputies spent several hours attempting to make contact to serve a search warrant Saturday before discovering the 51-year-old man’s body inside the home. Anyone with information is asked to contact Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office at 734-973-7711.

The Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office is searching for the vehicle in connection with a "road rage" incident on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020, in Lodi Township. Photo provided by Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office. LODI TOWNSHIP, Mich. – The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a suspect in a road rage shooting on Christmas Eve. UPDATE: Washtenaw County deputies find body while executing search warrantDeputies said the suspect was in a 2006-2007 burgundy Chevy Impala with a damaged mirror on the driver’s side and a black front replacement bumper. Anyone with information is asked to contact Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Harvey at harveyj@washtenaw.org or submit an anonymous tip at 734-973-7711.

YPSILANTI, Mich. – Two Metro Detroit families are mourning after a young Ypsilanti Township man killed himself with a single bullet that also killed his friend on Thanksgiving. Officials say the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a shooting at Aspen Chase Apartments at about 7 p.m. on Nov. 26. “What looks to have happened is one young man, who suffered from a mental health condition, committed suicide,” said Derrick Jackson with the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office. When he pulled the trigger, the bullet went right through his friend and into (his friend). So it was one bullet that killed both young men.”Gabe Scott says he was close to both of the young men -- especially Reed Carter, who police said was the young man trying to help his friend.

SCIO TOWNSHIP, Mich. – The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office is searching for 32-year-old Amanda Marie Debruycker, who was last seen on Sunday. According to an endangered missing person alert, Debruycker has a disability and left a group home at 4344 Eyrie Dr. at approximately 6:30 a.m.She is described as 5 feet tall, 200 pounds and has brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing pink and white pajamas with a floral pattern. Authorities suspect she may be in Detroit near Gratiot Ave. Anyone with information on her whereabouts should call 911 or 734-973-7711.

YPSILANTI TOWNSHIP, Mich. – The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office is looking for 14-year-old Olivia Antonette Jones who was last seen leaving her home at 1215 Share Ave. in Ypsilanti Township on Wednesday. She has brown hair and brown eyes and was last seen wearing a red sweatshirt, red sweatpants and a jean jacket. She was last seen entering an unknown white sedan at approximately 2:05 p.m. If you have any information about this person's location, please contact 911 or our tip line. Posted by Washtenaw Sheriff on Friday, December 4, 2020Anyone with information about her whereabouts is asked to call 911 or 734-973-7711.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Spencer John Payne and Cedrick Michael Sims were arraigned Wednesday in connection to two violent home invasions. According to authorities, the two men are accused of breaking into two houses, tying up and threatening the occupants. Police said it happened between 3 a.m. to 4 a.m. Oct. 8 at two houses, one on Sharon Drive and one on Macomb Street. Police say in the home on Macomb Street, the family -- a single father with three children, ages 5, 13 and 17 -- were tied up with electrical cords and clothing around their hands and feet. Police said they then went back to the first house, apologized, untied the father and told him not to untie the children yet.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) is attempting to identify three people who vandalized the 22nd Circuit Court building in downtown Ann Arbor around 9 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7. The vandals appear to be two white men and one white woman, according to a post on the WCSO Facebook page. One of the men has waist-length dreadlocks. ✉ Like what you’re reading? Sign up for our email newsletter here!

ANN ARBOR – Leaders in Washtenaw County issued a joint statement on Friday morning expressing concern over safety as voters drop off their ballots and head to the polls on Tuesday. The contentious environment surrounding the election and its aftermath, as well as feedback from community leaders, has the group worried about what voters might experience this election. The statement was issued by the Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Milan, Northfield, Saline, Ypsilanti, Eastern Michigan University and University of Michigan police departments, the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office, Washtenaw County, Michigan State Police and Rep. Debbie Dingell. "To that end, please note the following;• Washtenaw County Clerk, Larry Kestenbaum has consulted with all of the local election officials to ensure voting integrity. • Local law enforcement leaders in consultation with the municipal and township elected/appointed leaders have developed strategies that support post-election community safety.

YPSILANTI TOWNSHIP, Mich. – The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a multiple-vehicle crash involving four cars and a semi truck on Wednesday afternoon. According to authorities, at about 1:30 p.m. the traffic crash occurred at the intersection of Rawsonville and Textile roads in Ypsilanti Township. Officials say individuals involved sustained serious injuries, though the full extent of the injuries has not been released. So far no deaths have been reported in connection with this crash. The intersection was initially closed for further investigation and has since reopened.

SUPERIOR TOWNSHIP, Mich. – What started as a fight between neighbors ended with a Washtenaw County Sheriff’s deputy shot and the suspected gunman dead. Early signs show the man died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday morning. Before all the chaos started Wednesday at an apartment complex in Superior Township, Dakota Turner was unknowingly right there with the gunman. “I’m going around and I see this guy and he’s got a really like mean stare on his face,” recalled Turner. Turner was working his landscaping job in the neighborhood and thought offering this strange man some help was the right thing to do.

SUPERIOR TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A Washtenaw County deputy has been shot at an active police scene in on Wednesday afternoon, according to authorities. Law enforcement have surrounded a home in Superior Township after responding to a report of shots being fired between neighbors, officials said. Shortly after officers arrived on scene, the suspect in question fired shots at the officers -- striking a deputy. Members of the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, Ann Arbor Police Department and Washtenaw County Metro SWAT Team are currently at the scene. Officials say a crisis negotiation team is working at the scene.