SHERIFF NEWS RELEASE #26003448
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NATURE OF INCIDENT: Multiple felony offense arrest
COMPLAINT: 26003448
DATES: 04/09/2026-04/10/2026
LOCATION: 25000 block of M43 in Almena Township
SUSPECTS ARRESTED: 30-Year-old male from Paw Paw
NARRATIVE:
Sheriff Daniel E. Abbott reports that on April 9, 2026, at approximately 9:15 PM, Van Buren County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to the 25000 block of M-43 in Almena Township for a reported assault.
Upon arrival and investigation, deputies learned that a 31-year-old Paw Paw man had gone to the residence, where he was sprayed with bear repellent and struck with a blunt object. The victim recognized the suspect as a 30-year-old Paw Paw man. The victim was able to escape the scene and contact law enforcement.
Deputies searched for the suspect and the homeowner throughout the night but were unable to locate them. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was treated for minor injuries and decontaminated.
On April 10, 2026, at approximately 8:30 p.m., deputies were dispatched back to the same residence. A 28-year-old female homeowner reported that her ex-boyfriend had returned and shot her vehicle with a paintball gun.
During the investigation, deputies determined that this individual was the same suspect involved in the assault the previous night. After assaulting the male victim, the suspect forced the female homeowner to drive him from the scene and conceal him. She was eventually able to escape, at which time the suspect fired a paintball gun at her vehicle.
Following an extensive search of the area, including the deployment of a K-9 unit, deputies determined the suspect was hiding in a nearby garage. The building had been locked and barricaded from the inside. Deputies made entry and, with the assistance of Van Buren County K-9 Charlie, conducted a search. K-9 Charlie located the suspect hiding in a small room, where he had attempted to conceal himself under various items.
The suspect was taken into custody without incident and lodged at the Van Buren County Jail.
He is currently facing multiple felony charges, including:
• Felonious Assault
• Unlawful Imprisonment
• Possession of a Pneumatic Gun During the Commission of a Felony
• Resisting and Obstructing Police
• Arson of Personal Property
• Interfering with Electronic Communications
