Van Buren County Sheriff’s Deputy Eric Calhoun and Kuno (K-9 partner now retired) were recently honored in Washington, D.C. by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). They were awarded the prestigious Hope Award at their annual awards ceremony.
Kuno, handled and trained by Deputy Calhoun was credited with five successful saves/finds of missing children during his career here prior to retirement. “Deputy Calhoun was able to take his family to be part of the experience as well. NCMEC was gracious enough to cover all the expenses for the whole thing. A huge congratulations to Deputy Eric Calhoun and Kuno, well earned, well deserved,” said Van Buren County Sheriff Daniel Abbott.
Detective Miriam Sipes recently competed 40 hours of specialized training at the Sexual Assault Investigation Academy in Ohio. The intense program covered a range of critical topics, including victimology, sexual assault investigations, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) exams, and the essential role that medical providers play in supporting law enforcement. The training emphasized the importance of the initial response, victim care, crime scene preservation, and evidence collection. Detective Sipes learned about techniques for suspect development, the use of DNA in sexual assault cases, and reviewed multiple real-life case studies used to reinforce investigative strategies.
Detectives were actively looking for a 55-year-old Decatur man for questioning for an ongoing investigation. A Michigan State Police (MSP) detective observed the suspect driving and followed him into the courthouse. “The detective contacted our detective, and contact was made there at the courthouse by both agencies’ detectives. It was found he went there to sign paperwork to officially be released off parole supervision. It was found during the interview and investigation that he didn’t have a valid driver’s license, had bad licenses plates, and had no insurance for the vehicle,” said Sheriff Abbott. Due to multiple traffic violations and his parole status continued, he was taken into custody. A subsequent search of his vehicle resulted in the discovery of approximately two grams of methamphetamine. He was lodged for the incident.
“Detective Chris Orr who runs our Forensic Unit gave a presentation at Mattawan High School to juniors and seniors. The presentation focused on social media, electronic safety, digital platforms, and how to protect their personal information online. Detective Orr did a great job providing insight into the risks associated with online activity and the importance of making informed safe choices online in today’s digital world,” said Sheriff Abbott.
“I was able to meet with several Amish families in the Bloomingdale area this past week to go over ideas together relating to buggy crashes. Members of the Van Buren County Road Commission and Reserve Sgt. Walt Grech were also able to be there and give ideas as well. It was a very productive meeting with everyone involved with a lot of information being presented,” said Sheriff Abbott.
Deputies handled a road rage incident in Geneva Township. The caller advised the suspect vehicle crashed and was in a ditch. Deputies located the vehicle and suspect in the area it was described as at. The investigation found the driver, from Allegan County, was intoxicated and had a firearm in his vehicle. The suspect was lodged for the incident and now faces multiple charges.
Uniform Response handled a single vehicle crash in Pine Grove Township. “The investigation found that the single occupant driver from Calhoun County straightened out a curve, left the roadway, hit a tree and large rock. The driver succumbed to the injuries, losing his life. The accident remains under investigation,” said Sheriff Abbott.
Uniform Response handled a Single Vehicle Crash in Hamilton Township. The driver advised Deputies that he swerved to miss an opossum, lost control, and crashed. Alcohol is believed to be a factor, and once the blood results come back, an arrest warrant will be issued. The driver was hospitalized due to injuries.
