From the Desk of Sheriff Abbott – 12/29/2025

• Uniform Response set up on a Stolen Vehicle out of Ionia County being Tracked by ONSTAR on I94hwy. Sgt Rennhack had ONSTAR disable the vehicle as it was exiting the highway in a safe location with backup units with him. The suspect was taken into custody without incident. The suspect had a suspended driver’s license and was enroute to Benton Harbor with the stolen vehicle to give a subject a ride home that got out to prison the day prior. The vehicle was impounded for safe return to the victim. The passenger was not charged with the incident.  The driver will be charged for the suspended license out of our county and the other crimes will be charged out of Ionia.
• Uniform Response was making a Traffic Stop on a Truck for No License Plate in Lawton. The driver attempted to flee the Deputy, however, after a short pursuit realizing he wasn’t getting away pulled over. K-9 Charlie was deployed during the felony stop which deterred the suspect driver from running or fighting with the Deputy. The suspect was lodged for flee and elude, possession of meth, driving while license suspended, and unregistered vehicle.
• Uniform Response handled a UDAA/Missing Endangered Person in Gobles. The suspect who suffers from a medical condition stole his ex-wife’s vehicle. He was later located in Lawton with the vehicle. The vehicle was picked up by the victim, and she was not wanting to pursue charges. Disposition was made assisting the suspect with the help he needed.
• Uniform Response handled a Hit and Run Car vs. Pedestrian Fatality Crash in Hartford Township. An unknown vehicle hit the victim who was in the roadway in the early morning hours and left the scene. A passerby drove up on the victim and started rendering aid until Deputies and first responders got on scene. Unfortunately, the victim could not be saved. Our accident reconstructionist was called in and processed the scene. Anyone with any information is asked to call our office.
• Corrections Deputies Fought with an individual that Kicked and Bit them. A report was sent to the Prosecutor’s Office for charges in which charges were authorized for the assault against prison employee. Thank you once again to the Prosecutor’s Office for having our back and holding people accountable that think they can just assault our staff with no consequences.
• I am Excited to announce that 3 Days after announcing our Pets for Patriots Program, our first dog was Adopted. Lucky, who suffered from a bullet wound was the chosen one. Lucky came in with a pass-through wound with nothing vital being hit. After being treated by the vet and getting up to speed health wise after a few weeks, Lucky found a forever home.