Van Buren County Michigan Sheriffs Office, 205 S. Kalamazoo Street, Paw Paw, MI (2026)

10/27/2026

VAN BUREN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE RECOGNIZES DETECTIVE CHRIS ORR FOR OUTSTANDING INVESTIGATIVE WORK

On October 27, 2026, Detective Chris Orr was recognized by Sheriff Daniel E. Abbott, Undersheriff Casey Davis, and the Van Buren County Board of Commissioners with a Letter of Commendation for his exceptional work on an Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigation.

Detective Orr worked alongside a sheriff’s office in Florida on a multi-state investigation involving the abuse of two children under the age of four. After receiving the initial phone call regarding the case, Detective Orr acted quickly, obtaining a search warrant for the suspect’s residence within two hours to preserve critical digital evidence.

The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team and Criminal Investigations Division subsequently executed the search warrant and secured the evidence necessary to advance the investigation. During a subsequent interview, Detective Orr obtained a detailed confession from the suspect, which led to additional Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC) charges.

As a result of this investigation, two young children were rescued from living conditions no child should ever have to endure.

Sheriff Abbott emphasized the importance of the Sheriff’s Office’s investment in its computer crimes investigative capabilities, noting that the rapidly growing and increasingly complex nature of these crimes requires highly trained investigators who can respond quickly and effectively. Detective Orr has become a trusted resource and a go-to investigator for these types of complex cases.

The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office thanks Detective Orr for his dedication, professionalism, and commitment to protecting the citizens of Van Buren County. His willingness to go above and beyond, act decisively, and work collaboratively with law enforcement partners demonstrates the outstanding service our community deserves.

Thank you, Detective Orr, for your dedication to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community.

10/21/2026

• Our Office was Honored for a Fundraiser “Night in Nashville” this past Friday at the Paw Paw Brewery. There were sponsors behind the scenes, promotors, and others donating items to be auctioned off. Several thousand dollars was raised, and it went into our canine fund. It was very humbling to see the event sold out in less than two days without even advertising. Thank you to everyone involved who helped make this happen, those who attended, for all the support for our office, and those who performed. It truly was a special night and one for many of us to remember.

• Uniform Response handled a Motorcycle Crash in Bloomingdale Township. The driver advised he swerved to miss a deer in the roadway. The driver was transported to the hospital with serious injuries.

• Uniform Response handled a Domestic Violence incident in Columbia Township. The investigation found that two sisters had an altercation, and the aggressor pulled a knife on the victim. While investigating the incident, two pipes used for m**h were in plain view. Once the investigation was completed, the suspect was lodged for numerous felonies.

• Dispatch Received an iPhone Crash Notification at a location in Almena Township. Deputies and EMS were dispatched and located the victim. The victim fell in her garage and was bleeding heavily. She was transported to the hospital for her injuries.

• Uniform Response handled a Gr***de incident in Waverly Township. Family members found a gr***de in the basement of a family members house while they were there. The investigation found that it was a souvenir from WWII. Kalamazoo Bomb Squad came to the scene and disposed of the gr***de. They were able to determine that the gr***de was not explosive due to the powder and wick having been removed from inside it.

• Our Office Conducted a Rescue Task Force (RTF) Training Exercise at the Hope Church in South Haven. Our Office of Domestic Preparedness put on an eight-hour training that brought law enforcement, fire departments, emergency medical services, hospital personnel, and dispatchers together to coordinate response capabilities during an active violence incident or other mass casualty emergencies. Numerous topics were covered. There were hands on exercises, and a lot of information was gone over. There were a lot of participants and the training went well.

• Just a reminder to the public with the cooler temperatures, deer season, and rut coming, deer are on the move more than normal, so be alert.

• Uniform Response handled a Head-on Traffic Crash in Arlington Township. The at fault driver was cited for the crash. Both drivers sustained injuries, fortunately nothing life-threatening.

10/20/2026

🚨 ❤️ HELP SAVE A LIFE — REGISTER YOUR AED TODAY!

October is Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month, and the Van Buren County Sheriff's Office is encouraging residents, businesses, schools, churches, and community organizations to help make lifesaving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) easier to locate during an emergency.

❤️ WHY IS AED REGISTRATION IMPORTANT?

Every second counts when someone experiences sudden cardiac arrest. An AED can help restore a normal heart rhythm, but only if someone knows where to find one.

By registering AED locations with the National Emergency AED + Resource (NEAR) Registry, you help make this critical information available to participating emergency dispatch centers and community responders when someone needs immediate assistance.

📍 DO YOU KNOW WHERE AN AED IS LOCATED?

AEDs can be found in many locations, including:

🏫 Schools and educational facilities

⛪ Churches and places of worship

🏢 Businesses and office buildings

🏟️ Sports facilities and recreation centers

🏛️ Government buildings and community centers

❤️ HOW TO REGISTER AN AED

1️⃣ Locate an AED in your community.

2️⃣ Visit https://AED.new or download the free NEAR Registry app.

3️⃣ Follow the instructions to register the AED and its location.

🎁 REGISTER DURING OCTOBER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN!

As part of the 2026 national AED registration campaign, individuals who register AEDs between October 1 and October 31 will be entered for a chance to win one of ten $500 Amazon gift cards.

Communities also have an opportunity to win additional lifesaving AED equipment!

📅 Contest ends October 31, 2026.

🔗 Learn more about the registry and contest:
https://www.near-registry.org/aedcontest

The Van Buren County Sheriff's Office encourages everyone to take a few minutes to help identify and register AEDs throughout our communities.

Your efforts today could help save someone's life tomorrow.

10/19/2026

🚨 Sheriff Abbott Highlights Successful Multi-Agency Rescue Task Force Training in South Haven

SOUTH HAVEN, MI – October 18, 2026 – Van Buren County Sheriff Daniel E. Abbott is pleased to report the successful completion of a multi-agency Rescue Task Force (RTF) training exercise held Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Hope Church in South Haven, Michigan.

Sponsored by the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, Office of Domestic Preparedness, the eight-hour training brought together law enforcement, fire-fighters, rescue/quick response personnel, and emergency dispatch professionals to strengthen coordinated response capabilities during active violence incidents resulting in mass casualty emergencies.

🚑 Preparing First Responders to Save Lives

A Rescue Task Force brings law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel together to enter areas where threats have been mitigated but the scene has not yet been fully secured. Working as a coordinated team, responders can provide lifesaving medical treatment, locate and evacuate injured victims, and move patients to designated collection points for further treatment and transportation.

The training emphasized several critical operational skills, including:

• Emergency medical treatment and immediate lifesaving interventions.
• Victim extraction techniques, including drags, lifts, and carries.
• Rescue Task Force formations, coordinated movement, and force protection.
• Communications and coordination between responding agencies.
• Patient collection points, triage, and emergency transportation.

Through practical exercises and realistic scenarios, participants were able to apply these skills in a controlled training environment, identify operational challenges, and strengthen their ability to work together under demanding conditions.

🤝 Strong Multi-Agency Participation

The Sheriff's Office recognizes the commitment and participation of the following agencies and organizations:

• Van Buren County Sheriff's Office Dispatch Division
• Van Buren County Sheriff's Office Reserve Division
• Van Buren County Sheriff's Office, Office of Domestic Preparedness
• Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division
• South Haven Police Department
• Paw Paw Police Department
• Decatur Police Department
• Bangor Police Department
• Hartford Fire Department
• Decatur/Hamilton Fire Department
• Bangor Community Fire Department
• Volunteers from Hope Church

A particularly valuable component of this training was the direct involvement of the Van Buren County Sheriff's Office Dispatch Division. Although having participated in this type of local Rescue Task Force training in the past, this was by far the most dispatch personnel to have ever participated in this or any similar training. These dispatch personnel participated on scene providing real-time communications support, serving as role players, and offering operational feedback following the scenarios.

Their participation helped bridge the gap between emergency communications and field operations, allowing responders to better understand the challenges faced by dispatchers while providing dispatch personnel with firsthand insight into the rapidly changing conditions encountered by emergency responders.

🚨 The Advantages of Joint Training

Multi-agency exercises such as this provide benefits that extend well beyond individual skills development. By bringing multiple disciplines together before an actual emergency occurs, responders develop familiarity with one another's procedures, equipment, capabilities, and responsibilities.

This collaborative approach improves communication, strengthens interagency coordination, reduces confusion during rapidly evolving incidents, and supports faster delivery of lifesaving medical care.

Equally important, the training provides an opportunity to identify areas for improvement in a safe environment, where lessons learned can be incorporated into future operational planning and training.

⛪ Special Appreciation to Hope Church

Sheriff Abbott and the Office of Domestic Preparedness extend their sincere appreciation to Hope Church in South Haven for providing the facility that made this important training possible.

The availability of a suitable facility is essential to conducting realistic, scenario-based training. Hope Church's willingness to support local first responders provided an invaluable opportunity for participating agencies to practice coordinated emergency operations in a realistic building environment.

The Sheriff's Office recognizes and appreciates Hope Church's generosity, community partnership, and commitment to helping improve public safety throughout Van Buren County.

🇺🇸 A Continued Commitment to Preparedness

The Van Buren County Sheriff's Office remains committed to expanding interdisciplinary training opportunities that bring law enforcement, fire services, emergency medical providers, hospitals, and emergency communications personnel together.

Training programs such as the Rescue Task Force course reinforce a fundamental principle of emergency preparedness: the time to build relationships, establish communications, and practice coordinated responses is before an emergency occurs.

Sheriff Abbott thanks every participating agency, instructor, role player, and support organization for contributing to the success of this training.

"By training together, our emergency response partners strengthen their ability to act as one coordinated team when lives are at risk. These partnerships, shared experiences, and practical exercises are essential to protecting the communities we serve."

Van Buren County Sheriff's Office

10/18/2026

🚨 SHERIFF'S OFFICE NEWS RELEASE
Gr***de Discovered in Paw Paw Township Residence

PAW PAW TOWNSHIP, MI – October 17, 2026

Sheriff Daniel E. Abbott reports that a gr***de dating back to 1945 was discovered Saturday afternoon by residents cleaning out their grandfather’s basement in Paw Paw Township.

At approximately 12:20 p.m., Van Buren County Central Dispatch received a report of the discovery. Deputies from the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, Paw Paw Fire Department, and Van Buren Emergency Medical Services (VBEMS) responded to the scene.

Deputies confirmed the item was a gr***de but could not immediately determine whether it was live. Family members indicated the gr***de had been obtained from their father in 1945.

The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Bomb Squad responded and used specialized X-ray equipment to examine the device before safely dismantling it without incident. Further examination confirmed the gr***de had previously been decommissioned.

⚠️ PUBLIC SAFETY REMINDER

The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office reminds residents that old military ordnance, am******on, and other potentially explosive devices can remain dangerous for decades, regardless of their age or appearance.

If you discover a suspicious item:

🔹 DO NOT touch, move, or handle the device.

🔹 DO NOT attempt to open, disassemble, or determine whether it is active.

🔹 MOVE AWAY from the immediate area and keep others at a safe distance.

🔹 CALL 911 so trained personnel can safely evaluate the situation.

Even items believed to be military souvenirs or decommissioned equipment should be treated as potentially hazardous until examined by qualified professionals.

Fortunately, this incident was resolved safely, without injury or damage.

The Sheriff's Office appreciates the assistance of the Paw Paw Fire Department, VBEMS, and Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Bomb Squad.

10/17/2026

🐾 THANK YOU, VAN BUREN COUNTY COMMUNITY! 🇺🇸🎸

A huge thank you to Jose Patino and his wife Becki for organizing A Night in Nashville at Paw Paw Brewing Company featuring Kyle Jennings! This incredible event brought our community together to raise money for the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office K9s. Over $6000 dollars was raised.

The community showed up in full force, demonstrating just how much support there is for our K9 partners and the deputies who work alongside them.

❤️ Every dollar raised will help provide essential equipment, specialized training, and care for our K9s, ensuring they have the resources they need to continue serving and protecting our community.

A special thank you to Paw Paw Brewing Company for hosting this amazing event and helping make it a success!

When a community comes together to support those who serve, great things happen. Thank you to everyone who attended, donated, and helped make this night possible!

Also thank you to all the sponsors!

🐾 THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR K9S!

10/16/2026

• Uniform Response handled a Break-in in Progress at the Lawrence Public Schools. Upon arrival, Deputies observed a broken window. While investigating the incident the suspect exited the school and attempted to run from Deputies. Deputies ran him down and put him into custody. The 44-year-old Illinois man was lodged and charged for the incident.

• For the month of September, Dispatch took 8,585 phone calls. They are now at 77,397 for the year. Uniform Response had 271 traffic stops in September, which puts their total for the year at 3,327. Uniform Response handled 821 calls for service in September, putting the total for the year at 6,979.

• Uniform Response handled an MDOP (malicious destruction of property) in Arlington Township. The investigation found that the suspect drove her vehicle into a camper on purpose due to a dispute with the camper owner. She was lodged for the incident.

• Uniform Response handled a Single Vehicle Crash Car vs. Tree in Columbia Township. Deputies responded to the scene and the driver advised they swerved to miss a deer. Deputies immediately realized the driver was intoxicated and conducted an OWI (operating while intoxicated) investigation. The driver was lodged for the incident.

• I had the Honor of being a Speaker at the Annual Wings of God Benefit Dinner. Once again, it was a sold-out event. It was a great evening listening to testimonies, everything that is going on with Wings of God, and being able to speak with so many people at the event. Thank you to everyone who attended to make this event such a success. A huge shout out to the staff at Wings of God for changing so many lives.

• Uniform Response handled a Single Vehicle Crash Car vs. Utility Pole in Pine Grove Township. The driver advised the Deputy that he swerved to miss a squirrel. After the investigation was complete, the driver was lodged for operating under the influence of alcohol.

• Deputies Recovered a Stolen Boat and Trailer from a Larceny that our office previously handled in Columbia Township. Deputies went to the residence in Lawrence Township and recovered the boat and trailer. The investigation found the individual purchased the stolen items not knowing they were stolen. Deputies went to the location in Benton Township where the individual bought it from and located a stolen enclosed trailer on the property that was stolen the same time the boat and trailer were. The trailer was confiscated and the investigation is ongoing. Once the investigation is complete, it’ll be sent to the Prosectors Office for charges.

• Uniform Response handled a Reckless Discharge of Fi****ms incident in Bangor Township. The victim/caller advised they heard gunshots in the area and that bullets hit their barn. Deputies were able to locate two individuals shooting in their backyard. The investigation found they didn’t have a proper backstop and were using the woods in general to stop their bullets. Fortunately, no one was injured during the incident. The report is being sent to the Prosecutors Office for review for charges.

10/15/2026

💜 VAN BUREN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE STANDS IN SUPPORT OF VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 💜

Today, October 15, 2026, is PURPLE THURSDAY — a nationwide day of awareness when communities wear purple to show their support for victims and survivors of domestic violence.

The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office stands united in support of all victims and survivors. Domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or circumstances. Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported. No one should have to live in fear or face abuse alone.

We recognize the courage it takes to speak up, seek help, and take steps toward a safer future. Our office remains committed to investigating domestic violence crimes, holding offenders accountable, and working with community partners to protect those affected.

💜 You are not alone. You deserve safety. You deserve support. You deserve to be heard.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available.

📞 National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
📱 Text: START to 88788

Today, and every day, we stand with survivors, support victims, and work toward a safer community.

💜 Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office — Standing Together Against Domestic Violence.

10/11/2026

Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office Investigates Break-In at Lawrence High School

Sheriff Abbott reports that on October 11, 2026, at approximately 1:00 a.m., a 911 call was received from a neighbor reporting a broken window and a subject standing outside Lawrence Schools.

Deputies responded and discovered that a window at Lawrence High School had been broken. While deputies were investigating, a male subject exited the school, and a short foot pursuit ensued. Deputies apprehended the subject shortly afterward.

During the investigation, deputies determined that the 44-year-old male, who is from Illinois, had used a ladder to access the school and break a window above the gymnasium. The male then entered the building and attempted to access offices within the school. After being unable to gain access, he broke interior office windows.

The male then took cash, keys, and candy from an office.

The 44-year-old male was arrested and lodged at the Van Buren County Jail.

This incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office.

Assisting Agency: Michigan State Police

10/09/2026

• Uniform Response handled a Car vs. Tree PIA(Personal Injury Crash) in Hamilton Township. It was found that the driver was driving too fast on the gravel road, lost control, left the roadway and hit a tree. The driver sustained minor injuries and was found at fault.

• Uniform Response handled a Suspicious Call in Antwerp Township. The call came into dispatch that an individual was at a property walking around checking doors and looking through windows. The individual was located and interviewed about the situation. She had out of county warrants for her arrest and was lodged at our facility for them .

• It is that Time of the Year when Citizens are Headed South for the Winter. Just a reminder we do property checks(No Charge) while you are away. We do them year-round, and they really ramp up during the winter months. You can go to our website and fill out the form so we can watch your residence while you are away and give you a peace of mind not worrying about it.

• Uniform Response Drove Up on a Vehicle that Rolled Over in a Ditch in Bangor Township by a Road Closed Sign. The investigation found the driver to be intoxicated. The driver now faces operating under the influence charges. The driver did have to be transported to the hospital by ambulance due to injuries from the crash.

• Uniform Response handled a Single Vehicle Crash in Waverly Township. The driver accidently called 911 and thought she was talking to her brother and told a Dispatcher, “I was in a crash, but don’t call the cops because I’m drunk.” Needless to say, once she was medically cleared from the crash, she was lodged at our facility for operating under the influence of alcohol.

• Uniform Response handled a Two Vehicle PIA in Arlington Township. The investigation found that the at fault driver was intoxicated. The individual was lodged for the incident.

• Uniform Response continues to do Extra Targeted Enforcement in Construction Zones. Several citations and warrant arrests happened again this week.

• Our Bloomingdale School Resource Deputy handled a Break-in to a Storage Shed at the School which happened in the Overnight Hours. The suspect/suspects broke in and stole two bikes. Deputy Schrock located the two bikes in plain view at a residence in the Village of Bloomingdale while canvasing the area for them. A suspect was developed, but he had fled to Kalamazoo prior to locating the bikes. Once the investigation is complete, the Prosecutors Office will review the case for charges.

• Uniform Response Attempted to Stop a Motorcycle by Paw Paw for Speeding(124MPH). The driver fled and was quickly located again in Paw Paw by another Deputy, but he fled again. Deputies had an idea who it was and had Lawton PD set on the house immediately. The suspect was located there and admitted to fleeing. The reason he gave for fleeing was he saw it on YouTube. He was lodged for flee & elude, fictious plate, and no insurance.