Suspect Arrested Following Multi-Agency Investigation into Illegal Deer Poaching

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Date: November 1, 2026

Suspect Arrested Following Multi-Agency Investigation into Illegal Deer Poaching

Sheriff Abbott reports that on November 1, 2026, deputies received a be-on-the-lookout (BOL) alert for a vehicle suspected of being involved in illegal deer poaching near 60th Avenue and 48th Street in Lawrence Township.

Deputies located the vehicle concealed behind pine trees. As a deputy approached, a passenger remained inside the vehicle while the driver fled into the woods carrying a rifle. Deputies searched the area using a drone but were unable to locate the suspect at that time. A deer that had been shot was subsequently discovered in a nearby field.

Deputies continued the investigation in coordination with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and located additional deer that had been shot in the area. Through continued investigative efforts, the suspect was located in the Lawton area.

When deputies attempted to make contact with the suspect, he fled again by jumping from a second-story window and running into the woods. Deputies and K9 Charlie conducted a search, but the initial tracking attempt was unsuccessful.

As deputies expanded the search to an adjoining wooded area, the suspect fled toward a nearby residence. K9 Charlie and a deputy encountered the suspect near the residence, prompting him to flee once again. The deputy and K9 Charlie pursued the suspect back into the woods, where another deputy was positioned. The suspect was apprehended and taken into custody.

The suspect sustained minor abrasions from briars and was medically evaluated and cleared at the scene before being lodged at the Van Buren County Jail.

The suspect, identified as Justin Ernst, was charged with seven counts of resisting and obstructing, felony firearm offenses, and driving-related offenses. The DNR is continuing its investigation into the alleged game violations.

Ernst was arraigned in the 7th District Court in Paw Paw, where bond was set at $500,000.

The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank all assisting agencies for their cooperation and support throughout this investigation. The suspect has a prior conviction for similar charges.

The Sheriff’s Office would also like to reassure the public that there was no ongoing threat to the community during this incident.

Assisting Agencies

Lawton Quick Response

Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

Michigan State Police (MSP)

Mattawan Police Department

Decatur Police Department

Paw Paw Police Department