Montcalm County Sheriff's Office

06/04/2019

The Ionia-Montcalm Child Advocacy Center is having a fund raiser at Pizza Hut in Ionia on Wednesday, June 12th. Print off this picture and give them the bottom slip to support the IMSafe CAC.

Save the date, Wednesday, June 12 at the Ionia Pizza Hut. If you order food on that day (all day) and you hand them a copy of the flyer below, 20% of the proceeds of the order will go to the IM SAFE CAC. We hope you will help us out and eat out at Pizza Hut on June 12th!

*You must hand them the flyer, they will not honor emails. Just print the image below.

05/27/2019

On this beautiful Memorial Day morning, not only does Sheriff Williams wish a safe and enjoyable day for all, but also asks all to remember the brave men and women who helped make these days of freedom possible by making the ultimate sacrifice.

05/24/2019

Congratulations to the new Gratiot County Sheriff, Mike Morris!

The Gratiot County Sheriff's Office would like to introduce Sheriff Mike Morris. Sheriff Morris was sworn in today, taking over after Sheriff Wright announced his retirement. Congratulations.

05/15/2019

NEWS MEDIA INFORMATION REPORT

SUBJECT OF RELEASE: W.H.A.L.E. program

DATE: Wednesday, May 15, 2019

AUTHORITY/CONTACT PERSON: Sheriff Michael J. Williams

In 2018, there were 14 killed and 498 injured people in motor vehicle crashes on Montcalm County roads. If drivers and passengers are unresponsive upon the arrival of first responders, it can be difficult to identify the victims. To help parents protect their children and provide crucial information in emergency situations, Sheriff Mike Williams is implementing the W.H.A.L.E program in Montcalm County.

W.H.A.L.E stands for “We Have A Little Emergency.” The program is an identification and information package for child car safety seats. An information label is attached to the rear of the car seat to provide information about the child in the seat, such as name, age, medical information, and who to contact in case of an emergency.

In the event of a motor vehicle crash that incapacitates parents or other adult passengers, first responders can use the label as a source of information to identify the child or his/her special medical needs. Rescue efforts may proceed more smoothly and efficiently if first responders know the name of the frightened child they are treating.

Kits are available free of charge at the Sheriff’s Office in Stanton. They will also be distributed at the Montcalm County Public Safety Celebration on Saturday, May 18.

05/14/2019

This week is National Police Week with tomorrow, May 15th, being Peace Officer's Memorial Day. Having lost three officer's in the line of duty in this County, local police officers are well aware of the dangers of this career all too well. Please take a moment this week to remember Sheriff Franklin Henkel of the Montcalm County Sheriff's Office, Detective Lieutenant William McCarthy of the Montcalm County Sheriff's Office, and Officer Eric Johnson of the Howard City Police Department. These men, along with their loved ones, paid the ultimate price ensuring safety for those they served.

05/10/2019

Branding Iron Cafe

I wanted to take a moment to thank John at the Branding Iron Cafe for hosting a "Coffee with the Sheriff" event this morning. It was a great success. Sheriff Mike Williams

Small Town Restaurant serving Breakfast and Lunch Tuesday-Sunday

05/06/2019

Sheriff Mike Williams invites all to extend gratitude to the women and men who serve as Corrections Officers in the Country and specifically to those of the Montcalm County Sheriff's Office. This week is National Correctional Officers Week. Working as a correctional officer isn't for everyone. Long shifts, difficult inmates, and both physical and mental stresses are but a few of the things the correctional officers of the Sheriff's Office experience everyday. The citizens of this County are fortunate to have a dedicated and professional staff willing to take up the cause to help keep the public safe. Also, a special thanks to the families of these hard working people who make many of their own sacrifices as their loved ones head off to work everyday.

04/27/2019

Today is the 37th anniversary of the loss of Detective Lieutenant William McCarthy. D/Lt. McCarthy died in the line of duty serving his community. Please join the Sheriff's Office in remembering his service to Montcalm County and the ultimate sacrifice he made. Rest in peace Bill.

04/26/2019

NEWS MEDIA INFORMATION REPORT

SUBJECT OF RELEASE: Fatal Car Crash

DATE AND TIME: Approximately 9:26 A.M. on Friday, April 26, 2019

LOCATION: Amy School Road north of Edgar Road, Reynolds Township

AUTHORITY/CONTACT PERSON: Sheriff Mike Williams

Montcalm County Sheriff’s Office was sent to a one car crash at approximately 9:26 A.M. on Friday, April 26, 2019 north of the intersection of Amy School and Edgar Roads in Reynolds Township. The sole occupant of the vehicle died in the crash.

Initial information was that a vehicle had crashed and come to a rest in a wooded area and that smoke may be coming from the vehicle. It was determined that the vehicle was headed north on Amy School Road, that it exited the road to the left, and that it then struck several trees. The sole occupant, a sixty-eight year old Howard City man, was pronounced dead at the scene.

There were no indications that the driver was speeding. The driver was wearing his seat belt. The cause of the crash is believed to have been a medical issue the driver was having.

Assisting with the crash were the Michigan State Police, Montcalm County Emergency Medical Services, Montcalm County Central Dispatch, and the Howard City Fire Department.

04/18/2019

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Wakefield family and the Crawford County Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Wakefield led an exemplary life of service to both country and community. He will be missed.

It is with sadness to share that retired Crawford County Sheriff, Kirk Wakefield, passed away earlier today. Sheriff Wakefield began serving as a law enforcement officer in 1979 and was the Sheriff in Crawford County from 2002 through 2018. Sheriff Wakefiled also faithfully served in the United States Military. "Blessed are the peacemakers"

04/18/2019

NEWS MEDIA INFORMATION REPORT

SUBJECT OF RELEASE: One car crash with injuries

DATE AND TIME: 12:03 A.M. on Thursday, April 18, 2019

LOCATION: Federal Road near Cutler Road, Reynolds Township.

AUTHORITY/CONTACT PERSON: Sheriff Mike Williams

Montcalm County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a single vehicle personal injury crash on Federal Road near Cutler Road in Reynolds Township at approximately 12:03 A.M. on Thursday, April 18, 2019.

The investigation revealed that a 2007 Chrysler Crossfire was travelling northbound on Federal Road when it left the roadway and struck a tree. The driver of the vehicle; a 56 year old Fenwick woman, was pinned in her vehicle. The jaws of life were used to extricate the driver from the vehicle and she was flown by Aeromed to Spectrum Butterworth Hospital with serious injuries. The driver was wearing her seat belt and high speed was a factor in the crash.

Deputies were assisted by Montcalm County Emergency Services, Howard City Fire, Morely-Stanwood Fire, Mecosta County Sheriff's Office Posse, Michigan State Police, Montcalm County Central Dispatch and Aeromed.

04/16/2019

The Sheriff's Office would like to thank the staff of Central Dispatch for all that you do for us. Thanks for having our back! Happy Telecommunication's Week!

04/10/2019

This week is National Work Zone Awareness week. The week is designated to highlight road worker and motorist safety. As easy as it is to complain when our travel plans are altered or delayed when we come upon a road construction zone, we all need to keep in mind that the road repairs are necessary for safe and easy travel and the men and women of the road construction crews deserve our patience. Let's all slow down a little and give the crews some room in construction zones so our road workers are safe. Thanks to the Montcalm County Road Commission staff for all you do!

04/09/2019

NEWS MEDIA INFORMATION REPORT

SUBJECT OF RELEASE: New Undersheriff named

DATE: Monday, April 8, 2019

AUTHORITY/CONTACT PERSON: Sheriff Michael J. Williams

With great pride, Sheriff Mike Williams is happy to announce Andrew Doezema as the next Montcalm County Undersheriff.

As Undersheriff, he will oversee the Law Enforcement, Corrections, and Administrative divisions of the Sheriff’s Office. He will also serve as interim Jail Administrator while that position is vacant.

Having served as a deputy sheriff, road patrol sergeant, and detective sergeant, Andrew brings 18 years of experience to his new position. His experience includes administration, advanced investigation, supervision, training, and patrol.

Andrew is a licensed attorney, former president of the Montcalm County Sheriff’s Office chapter of the Command Officer’s Association of Michigan, forensic interviewer, speed measurement instructor, and Field Training Officer.

Andrew holds a Juris Doctor degree magna cm laude from Western Michigan University, Thomas M. Cooley Law School and a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Calvin College.

Away from the Sheriff’s Office, Andrew enjoys travelling with his family, running, water and snow sports, and tinkering in his shop.

04/05/2019

April is distracted driver awareness month. Nationally, nearly 10% of all fatal crashes involve a driver being distracted. If we join together, we can help to reduce this number. Removing distractions from vehicles, designate a passenger as the "designated texter" while travelling, and resisting multi-tasking while driving are but a few ways to help make our roads safer for all.

04/04/2019

NEWS MEDIA INFORMATION REPORT

SUBJECT OF RELEASE: Felonious Assault Arrest

DATE AND TIME: Wednesday, April 3, 2019 at approximately 1:10 P.M.

LOCATION: 8000 block of Hebert Drive, Eureka Township

AUTHORITY/CONTACT PERSON: Sheriff Mike Williams

The Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a domestic call involving a firearm on Wednesday, April 3, 2019 at approximately 1:10 P.M. in the 8000 block of Hebert Drive in Eureka Township.

A 22-year-old Greenville woman called Central Dispatch to report that she was being assaulted by her 24-year-old boyfriend, Keaton James Johnson, with whom she lived and that he had a gun. As the deputy and troopers with the Michigan State Police responded to the area, the woman left the home walking reporting that Johnson was following her. While on the telephone with Emergency Communications Operators of Central Dispatch, the phone call disconnected and the woman could not be re-contacted. The deputy and troopers searched the area and located the two back at the home. Upon arrival, an argument was heard between the male and others in the home. The male was taken into custody and lodged in the Montcalm County jail. The woman was not injured.

Johnson was lodged and arraigned on charges of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Domestic Violence. Johnson remains in jail on a $10,000.00 bond. The investigation is ongoing.


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03/29/2019

Today, officers from all over the area joined Sheriff Williams and the staff of the Sheriff's Office to wish Undersheriff Brian Waber a fond farewell after a honorable career that spanned 33 years. Brian hired on as a patrol deputy after having obtained a bachelor's degree through Ferris State University. Brian rose through the ranks serving as a road sergeant, lieutenant, and was appointed Undersheriff where he also oversaw the jail operations. Brian was instrumental in building the training unit for new deputies and has been a valuable resource.

Brian will spend time with his wife and children and has definitely earned the rest.

03/22/2019

NEWS MEDIA INFORMATION REPORT

SUBJECT OF RELEASE: Jail Death Independent Investigation Results

DATE: Friday, March 22, 2019

AUTHORITY/CONTACT PERSON: Sheriff Michael J. Williams

The Montcalm County Sheriff’s Office has received the results of an independent MISSION investigation into the death of an inmate while in jail. The inmate, AMBER LYNAE BILLS age 34 of Big Rapids, had passed away while in custody on December 30, 2018.

MISSION investigators conducted an extensive two-month investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death. The result showed that no jail policies were violated and no criminal acts were committed.

BILLS had been booked into the jail on December 22, 2018 on a driving while suspended charge with a $500 cash or surety bond. She also had an outstanding warrant for failing to appear in court with an additional $500 cash or surety bond. BILLS experienced stomach pain several days after arriving at the jail. The nurse examined her on multiple occasions.

BILLS informed the nurse she had used methamphetamine and was withdrawing from the drug. Jail staff promptly moved BILLS to a cell with direct observation. The nurse placed her on Librium protocol when she discovered her condition. BILLS remained in the jail’s direct observation cell from December 28 until December 30.

In the afternoon of December 30, BILLS presented in a manner consistent with her previous condition and was given the prescribed Librium. Soon after officers removed BILLS from her cell in an unresponsive state. BILLS did not regain consciousness following the application of CPR and life saving measures.

As subsequent autopsy ruled BILLS died of natural causes.

Sheriff Williams Will be available for on camera news station interviews today between 2:30 and 4:00.

Original News Release

Montcalm County Sheriff Mike Williams reports that an inmate of the Montcalm County Jail was found unresponsive in her cell. Corrections Officers immediately administered CPR and called for medical assistance but were unable to revive her.

The inmate, AMBER LYNAE BILLS age 34 of Big Rapids, was being held on two contempt of court charges and a no operator’s license on person charge. An autopsy has been performed and revealed an undiagnosed perforated ulcer. The final report from the Medical Examiner is pending.

The Sheriff has requested that a Michigan Sheriff’s Association MISSION team conduct an external review of the incident.

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03/21/2019

NEWS MEDIA INFORMATION REPORT

SUBJECT OF RELEASE: Hit and Run Pedestrian Crash

DATE AND TIME: Approximately 6:30 A.M on Wednesday, March 20, 2019

LOCATION: Maple Hill Road north of Lake Montcalm Road, Reynolds Township

AUTHORITY/CONTACT PERSON: Sheriff Mike Williams

Montcalm County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a hit and run crash involving a pedestrian that occurred on Maple Hill Road north of Lake Montcalm Road in Reynolds Township at approximately 6:30 A.M. on Wednesday, March 20, 2019.

The investigation has revealed that an eleven year old was walking south bound along the right side road edge in the grass on Maple Hill Road headed to the bus stop. As the eleven year old and his brother walked, the eleven year old was struck by a southbound vehicle. The vehicle continued on Maple Hill road and made a left turn onto Lake Montcalm Road. The boys continued to school. When Tri County Schools learned of the incident, the Sheriff’s Office was contacted.

Vehicle parts were found at the scene. The vehicle is believed to be a 2007 to 2014 Ford F150 or similar vehicle. The color of the vehicle is unknown as witnesses stated it was dark at the time of the crash.

The eleven year old boy sustained minor injuries and his family was tending to his medical needs.

Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 989-831-7590 or call the tip line at 989-831-7593.

03/15/2019

Strike Out Child Abuse Bowling Registration

The Child Advocacy Center is a great partner for law enforcement in both Ionia and Montcalm counties. Please consider attending this fundraising event!

03/05/2019

NEWS MEDIA INFORMATION REPORT

SUBJECT OF RELEASE: Break In Investigation

DATE AND TIME: Occurred between March 2 and March 4, 2019

LOCATION: 11064 West Carson City Road, Eureka Township

AUTHORITY/CONTACT PERSON: Sheriff Michael Williams

The Sheriff’s Office is investigating a break in that occurred at Ed Koehn Ford Lincoln, 11064 West Carson City Road between March 2 and March 4, 2019.

Employees arrived at Ed Koehn Ford the morning of March 4th to find the business had been broken into and a large amount of tools were taken. The Sheriff’s Office is contacting area law enforcement agencies to determine if they have recently experienced similar thefts. Area businesses are being checked as well.

Anyone with information regarding the theft or were in the area during the time frame of the break and saw activity at Ed Koehn Ford Lincoln are asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 989-831-7590.

02/23/2019

High winds are expected tomorrow which may lead to power outages. Please take some time today to make sure you're prepared!

Widespread and lengthy high winds this weekend will bring concerns for power outages due to downed trees and power lines. Now is the time to prepare for possible power outages!