From the Desk of Sheriff Abbott – 6/25/2026

Uniform Response received information that a Stolen Kubota Tractor from Wisconsin was Possibly at a Residence in Columbia Township. Deputies went to the residence and located to the stolen tractor. Detectives from our office along with MSP’s Auto Theft Unit(SCAR) went to the scene and executed a search warrant based off information obtained from Deputy’s on scene. Two additional stolen recreational vehicles were recovered. A Kawasaki side-by-side that was stolen out of Covert Township and a Kawasaki atv quad stolen out of Elkhart, Indiana. The investigation will be ongoing based on other evidence that was found.
Our Criminal Investigation Unit Detectives, MSP Internet Crimes Against Children(ICAC) Detectives, and Homeland Security Investigations(HSI) worked a Child Exploitation Investigation resulting in Arresting a South Haven Man. During the investigation, Detectives obtained and executed search warrants, reviewed digital evidence, and identified multiple files depicting aggravated child sexually abusive material. The suspect was arrested following the execution of a search warrant and charged with six counts of Possession of Aggravated Child Sexually Abusive Material and six counts of Using a Computer to Commit a Crime. Our office remains committed to protecting children and investigating crimes involving the exploitation of minors through strong partnerships with state and federal law enforcement agencies.
Uniform Response handled a Car vs. Utility Pole Crash in Keeler Township. Upon arrival, the utility pole was snapped with the line on the ground. The vehicle fled the scene. Deputies were unable to locate the suspect vehicle.
Uniform Response handled a Dog at Large in Hamilton Township. Upon finding the dog, it attacked the patrol unit’s tires. The owners were found, the dog was secured by them, and a citation was issued.
Uniform Response handled a Stolen Vehicle incident in Columbia Township. Unknown suspects went to an abandoned residence and stole a 1999 Volkswagen Beetle, blue in color. Anyone with information on this is asked to call our office. Keep in mind that you can do it anonymously.
Uniform Response handled a Domestic Violence incident in the Village of Lawrence. It was found that an assault did take place and the suspect fled the scene. Deputies were able to confirm his location in the Village of Paw Paw. The suspect would not come to the door, nor would anyone. A search warrant was obtained and executed at the residence in which the suspect was at. He was taken into custody and lodged for the incident.
A New Scam going around is a Fake Recall. People are receiving an email that appears to be from Amazon. It states that an item from your recent order has a design defect that could be unsafe and instructs you to select a link to request a refund. You know what happens when you click on the link, so as a reminder, don’t do it.
Uniform Response handled a Hit & Run in Hartford Township. A white extended cab 4-door pickup truck with running boards hit a parked car in the Rush Lake Trailer Park then left the scene. The truck will have damage on the front passenger corner. Anyone with information on this is asked to call our office.

Additional Information

For immediate reporting contact the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office at (269) 657-3101. Additional reporting is also available at Crime Stoppers 1-800-342-7867, Silent Observer (269) 343-2100 or your local Police Department.

Mobile phone users and online users can provide anonymous crime tips to the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office by sending a text Tip Soft message by sending a text message to “CRIMES” (274637) with the keyword VBCTIP from a mobile phone. Click here to submit a tip online.

Van Buren County Sheriff's Office

205 South Kalamazoo St.
Paw Paw, MI 49079-1594

T: (269) 657-2006 | F: (269) 657-3161

Sheriff

Daniel E. Abbott

Undersheriff

Casey Davis

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