Stolen vehicle recovered, felon found in possession of firearms

By Paul Garrod
Staff Writer
news4garrod@gmail.com

PAW PAW TWP. – A stolen vehicle was recovered, in addition to several guns and ammunition, while a felon was found to be in possession of firearms, following an incident that occurred Friday, March 14, in Paw Paw Township, according to a press release from the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office.
Van Buren County Sheriff Daniel Abbott reported that on March 14, at 6:30 p.m., Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a residence in the 36000 block of 72nd Avenue, Paw Paw Township, for a report of an assault. Sheriff Abbott said that the suspect had fled on foot prior to deputies’ arrival. While on scene investigating that assault and looking for the suspect, they located a vehicle on the property that had been reported stolen out of Dowagiac.
Deputies were able to secure a search warrant for the incident location. A search of the residence, outbuildings, and property was conducted, and deputies located a small amount of methamphetamine as well as multiple firearms and ammunition. Sheriff Abbott said the owner and primary resident of the property is not able to legally possess or own any firearms or ammunition.
Deputies seized eight long guns, one pistol, and a couple hundred rounds of various ammunition for the firearms. The original assault suspect was not located on the property. The stolen vehicle was turned over to Dowagiac Police Department. Reports will be forwarded to the Van Buren County Prosecutor’s Office for review of charges on the original assault suspect as well as the property owner.