Three Rivers Police Department

08/25/2026

The Three Rivers Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in locating Madison Pitcher, 17 years old. She was last seen in the area of Riverside Church on E. Michigan Ave. Madison was wearing a black crop top and black leggings.

If seen, please contact St. Joseph County Central Dispatch at 269-467-4195.

08/23/2026

On Tuesday 8/25, Three Rivers Community Schools has its first day of the new school year. As a result you may see more school buses on the roadway, increased traffic around schools in the mornings and afternoons, and children waiting at bus stops. You may also see parents crying tears of joy at the sight of their children returning to school. Please be patient and stop for crossing guards and school buses.

08/21/2026

Detective Sheteron, your watch has ended. We'll take it from here.

08/21/2026

Carolyn Langston, your drivers license was dropped off at the police department.

08/06/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 4, 2026

In Honor and Memory of Director of Public Safety Joseph Scheid

COLDWATER, Mich. – On the evening of August 3, 2026, the Coldwater community lost a dedicated leader, public servant, and friend with the unexpected passing of Director of Public Safety Joseph Scheid. His loss has left a profound impact on the City of Coldwater, the Department of Public Safety, and the many people whose lives he touched throughout his career.

Director Scheid devoted nearly three decades of his life to serving the City of Coldwater. After graduating from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement Emphasis, and completing the university’s Police Academy, he joined the Coldwater Police Department on December 8, 1996, as a Patrol Officer. Throughout his career, he steadily rose through the ranks, serving as Corporal, Sergeant, Deputy Director of Public Safety, Acting Director of Public Safety, and ultimately Director of Public Safety, a position he held beginning September 23, 2019. In preparation for leading Coldwater’s combined Police and Fire Department, Joe completed Fire Service Certification I and II, further demonstrating his commitment to serving the entire community.

Throughout his career, Joe took great pride in his work as a K-9 officer and K-9 Team Leader, as well as his involvement in specialized law enforcement efforts, including the CODE Team and drug enforcement initiatives. He became a strong advocate for addressing substance abuse in the community. Under his leadership, the Coldwater Department of Public Safety achieved accreditation through the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Program, administered by the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police. He was also instrumental in strengthening relationships between law enforcement and young people through the establishment of School Resource Officer positions.

Beyond the badge, Joe believed that investing in the next generation was one of the greatest responsibilities of public service. Whether through his involvement in youth sports, personally congratulating Coldwater High School graduates with handwritten cards, or establishing the Coldwater Police and Fire Scholarship Fund to support future public safety professionals, he consistently demonstrated a genuine commitment to the community.

The City of Coldwater extends its deepest gratitude to the members of the Coldwater Police Department and Coldwater Fire Department, LifeCare Ambulance Service, the Branch County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police, Branch County Central Dispatch, city leadership, and the many community members who have offered their support and compassion during this difficult time.

Details regarding memorial services and additional opportunities to honor Director Scheid will be shared as arrangements are finalized. The community is asked to keep his family, friends, and all members of the Coldwater Department of Public Safety in their thoughts during this time.

# # #

https://www.coldwater.org/m/newsflash/home/detail/761.

08/05/2026

This fella used his super strength this morning to break his lead. If you know whom his parents are, let them know he is safe at Animal Control in Centerville.

Let this serve as a reminder, if you put your dogs out on leads or leashes, please check the materials every few months to make sure they are not cracking or breaking. Let’s keep our pets safe!

08/04/2026

An amazing Door Dasher found these keys on the side of the road by East/Armstrong.

The keys are at the PD, stop in and pick them up if they are yours.

07/14/2026

*****UPDATE*****
Averie was found, thank you to the community who helped us look for and locate her.

******UPDATE******

The Three Rivers Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Averie Yingling 13 years old. She was last seen wearing a purple shirt and black pants. Last seen in the 1000 block of Elm St. If located please call Central Dispatch at 269-467-4195.

06/30/2026

06/24/2026

Search Warrant Leads to Arrest and Recovery of Stolen Handgun

On Tuesday, June 23, 2026, officers with the Three Rivers Police Department received a report that two individuals had threatened each other with fi****ms. When officers arrived at the scene, the suspects had already left the area.

Officers continued investigating the incident throughout the night and into the following morning. Through the course of the investigation, officers identified the involved parties and developed probable cause to believe that one of the suspects was located at his registered residence. Investigators subsequently obtained a search warrant for the residence.

Due to the nature of the investigation, the St. Joseph County Special Response Team (SRT) was requested to assist the Three Rivers Police Department in executing the search warrant. SRT safely and professionally executed the warrant and apprehended the suspect without incident.

During the search of the residence, officers recovered a stolen handgun, along with additional evidence related to the investigation.

The Three Rivers Police Department places a high priority on investigating gun-related crimes and remains committed to preventing violence in our community. Illegal firearm activity poses a significant threat to public safety, and the department will continue to aggressively investigate these offenses.

The Three Rivers Police Department would like to thank the St. Joseph County Special Response Team and all assisting agencies for their support and cooperation during this ongoing investigation, which resulted in the arrest of one of the suspects.

This investigation remains active. Additional charges and arrests may be possible as the case continues.