From the Desk of Sheriff Abbott – 5/29/2026

• Uniform Response handled an Assault in Progress in Bangor Township. One of the Deputy’s that responded was sucker punched and injured during the incident. The suspect in the incident was lodged.
• Uniform Response handled an Assault incident in Hartford City. The incident involved a city board member and a resident of Hartford. The report was sent to the Prosecutor’s Office for review for charges.
• Uniform Response assisted Cass County Sheriff’s Office with a Pursuit that came into Porter Township. Stop sticks were successfully deployed and the suspect vehicle came to a stop shortly after that. The Decatur man was TOT (turned over to) Cass Deputies. The passenger had a warrant for their arrest, so they were arrested and TOT Cass County Deputy’s as well.
• Uniform Response handled a Car vs. Bike Accident in Bangor Township. The bike rider was transported to the hospital with serious injuries but was in stable condition shortly after arrival. Our accident reconstructionist went to the scene and reconstructed the crash. The accident remains under investigation.
• Uniform Response had a Pursuit in Antwerp Township. A Deputy attempted to stop a vehicle for numerous traffic violations, but they failed to stop for the Deputy. When the driver stopped, he wouldn’t comply with the Deputy or assisting officer, hence, started resisting/fighting with them. The driver was lodged and now faces several charges.
• Uniform Response handled a Single Vehicle Crash in Decatur Township. The driver was not hurt during the crash. The investigation found that the driver was intoxicated and was lodged for operating under the influence of alcohol.
• Uniform Response Stopped a Vehicle in Geneva Township for going 100mph. The driver was intoxicated and lodged for operating under the influence of alcohol.
• Our Office of Domestic Preparedness/Emergency Management have been conducting Active Assailant Trainings for several places of worship throughout the county. They also conducted tornado drills for several county operated buildings this past week. All their activities have gone well.
• Our Office Participated in the Area 17 Special Olympics Team Send Off. It is an event I truly look forward to every year being able to eat lunch with the athletes and their families then escort them to the highway. Thank you to the Knights of Columbus out of Paw Paw for hosting this every year and allowing myself and others to participate in it.
• Uniform Response handled an MDOP (malicious destruction of property) at the Gobles Elementary School. The suspect was caught on camera in which he threw rocks through several windows. Our office was able to ID him as we’ve dealt with him in the past. Deputies were able to locate him, interview him, and he’s now lodged for the incident as well as a probation violation warrant.