Police

A Kalamazoo County man who stole nearly 169-thousand dollars from his employer will spend just one day in jail. Prosecutors say Nickolas Lubrick of Schoolcraft almost put Okun Brothers Shoes out of business due in part to his gambling addiction. The 32-year old Lubrick pleaded guilty to a felony embezzlement charge and he’ll have to pay back all the money …

Upgrades in the booking and intercom systems at the county jail were approved last week by the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners. The five-member board authorized a $178,000 quote from Midstate Jail Security, one of three bidders for the project. Sheriff’s department officials said the current intercom/speaker system is outdated and spare parts are too difficult – and in …

The victim in a semi/freight-train collision last week has been identified by the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department. Bobby Abell, 77, of Quincy, Ill., was the driver of a southbound semi that collided with an eastbound freight train consisting of an engine and two rail cars. The incident occurred Thursday evening at the railroad crossing on U.S. 131 in Mottville …

Crews from two departments spent Wednesday morning battling a fire at an apartment building at 121 N. Lincoln Ave. in Three Rivers. The blaze was reported by a passer-by around 6:45 a.m. The site is just east of the BP gas station. Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke and fire on the first floor. The interior fire was brought under …

The driver of a semi tractor-trailer was killed Thursday following a collision with a train in White Pigeon Township. The incident occurred around 5 p.m. at the crossing over U.S. 131 near Indian Prairie Road. Sheriff’s deputies said the southbound semi collided with a slow-moving, eastbound train comprised of an engine and two rail cars. The collision caused a portion …

Methamphetamine-related charges were filed against a Constantine Township man Thursday. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said the arrest was the culmination of an investigation that took place over the course of several weeks. The suspect was arrested after a search warrant was executed by narcotics investigators from the St. Joseph County Area Narcotics unit. The arrest took place at …

The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a series of arson incidents that occurred last week in Colon Township. The fires were set around 10 p.m. March 13 in the 59000 and 61000 blocks of Farrand Road, the 57000 block of Hodges Road, the 59000 block of Fairfax Road, and the 59000 block of Long Lake Road.

A 20-year-old Fabius Township woman was issued a citation after the vehicle she was driving rear-ended another car in Lockport Township. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said Jessie Hanstine was driving east on M-60 when she failed to stop for a car turning left off M-60 into a residential driveway near Haines Road. The turning car was driven by …

The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department is looking to fill a full-time position following a retirement and two resignations. County commissioners earlier this month approved a request to fill the position to help offset the resignation of road patrol officer Dru Carney. In addition, patrol officer Terry Baker has resigned and Pete VanCamp retired Friday. In other personnel news at …

A 33-year-old Burr Oak man died from a gunshot wound during a domestic dispute around 10:30 p.m. in Burr Oak Township. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said Dennis Brooks died from a gunshot wound to the head at Townline Road, near Farrand Road, on the border of Burr Oak and Colon townships. Investigators said Maria Audrey-Louise Williams, 34, is …