Mt. Pleasant Youth Police Academy Accepting Applications

The 23^rd Youth Police Academy is scheduled for July 8 – 25, 2024, (Monday – Thursday) from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. This free program offers youth, going into grades 6-8, who have an interest in law enforcement, an up-close view of the skills and necessary training needed for law enforcement officials.

Mt. Pleasant Police Officers conduct the program in the manner of a real police academy with values such as teamwork, integrity, compassion, and discipline being stressed. Cadets are required to participate in physical training and complete the same agility tests given to recruits during a standard police academy.

In addition to physical training, the daily curriculum includes hands-on learning, field trips and demonstrations by specialized units such as the SWAT Team, K-9 and DNR. Classroom topics encompass crime scene investigations, traffic stops, marine patrol activities, firearms safety, first aid and CPR, and much more.

Applications are now available at Mt. Pleasant Public Schools and the Division of Public Safety, 804 E. High Street, from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The application deadline is June 3, 2024.

Cram a Cruiser: Join Forces with the Mt. Pleasant Police Department to Support Toys for Tots

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department and Krapohl Ford Lincoln invites the public to help ‘cram a cruiser’ with new, unwrapped, unopened toys to support Toys for Tots.

Mt. Pleasant Police Officers look forward to personally thanking you for your generosity at the toy drop offs scheduled for:

November 30 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. in front of the Division of Public Safety Building, 804 E. High Street.

December 6 from 3:00 – 5:30 p.m. at Krapohl Ford Lincoln, 1415 E. Pickard Road.

December 14 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. in front of the Division of Public Safety Building, 804 E. High Street.

Handheld Cellphone Use Banned While Driving

The use of handheld cellphones while driving will be outlawed in Michigan, effective June 30, 2023. Motorists will still be able to use hands-free devices. This new law expands Michigan’s ban on texting, placing calls and scrolling on social media while driving.

To avoid a ticket, listen to Public Safety Director Paul Lauria’s summary of this new legislation.

Penalties for distracted driving will increase and are as follows:

First Offense: $100 and/or 16 hours of community service.
Subsequent Offenses: $250 and/or 24 hours of community service.

distracted-driving-legislation-june-2023-1 Download

Double Stabbing Suspect Arrested

Through intense investigation, the Mt. Pleasant Police Department identified a suspect from a May 6, 2023 double stabbing assault which occurred in the vicinity of Broomfield and Mission Street in Mt. Pleasant. This incident resulted in a male victim suffering stab wounds to the chest, and a female victim sustaining stab wounds to the back area.

The Mt. Pleasant and Bay City Police Departments, alongside Bay City’s ELITE VIPER UNIT – a covert taskforce team, conducted interviews and surveillance in Bay City, Michigan. Probable cause was established, and an arrest warrant was obtained from the Isabella County Prosecutors Office.

Upon search warrants being executed, a 23-year-old Bay City man was arrested by the ELITE VIPER UNIT on a two-count warrant for Assault with Intent to Murder.

This is an ongoing and open investigation. The name of the arrested individual will be withheld until after arraignment.

The two assault victims have been released from the hospital. The names of the victims will not be released until the investigation is closed.

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department was assisted by the Bay City Police Department, the ELITE VIPER UNIT, Central Michigan University Police, Isabella County Sheriff’s Department, Michigan State Police, Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Police, Isabella County Central Dispatch, Isabella County Prosecutors Office and the Wayside Bar.

Mt. Pleasant Police Respond to Stabbing – No Risk to the Public

At approximately 12:40 a.m. on May 6, 2023 officers of the Mt. Pleasant Police Department were dispatched to a local hospital to meet with victims of a stabbing assault. A male victim suffered stab wounds to the chest, and a female victim sustained stab wounds to the back area. Both individuals are in stable condition.

This incident occurred in the vicinity of Broomfield and Mission Streets. Police interviewed several witnesses who described a physical altercation between several males. The injured female tried to intervene, resulting in her stab wounds.

Police have determined the parties involved do not live in this area, or have any connections to the community. It is believed the suspects are no longer in the area, and there is no risk to the public.

This is an ongoing and open investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident are asked to contact the Mt. Pleasant Police Department’s Anonymous Tip Line at 989-779-9111 or Central Dispatch (989) 773-1000.

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department was assisted by Central Michigan University Police, Michigan State Police, Isabella County Sheriff’s Department, Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Police, and Isabella County Central Dispatch.

Summary of Minutes of the Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting – 4/10/2023

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, April 10, 2023, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.

Assistant Police Chief Bliss introduced and swore in Mt. Pleasant Police Officer Cole McGregor.

Approved the Agenda with the removal of Item #8, “Public Hearing To Amend Chapter 110: General Licensing of the Code of Ordinances.”

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

3) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held March 27, 2023.

4) Resolution authorizing an amendment to the Standard Lighting Contract with Consumers Energy for removing streetlights at no cost to the City at Packard and Pickard (M-20) for MDOT road reconstruction.

5) Budget amendment for downtown visual enhancements.

6) Received proposed 2024-2029 Capital Improvement Plan and set public hearing for May 22, 2023 on same.

7) Warrants and Payrolls.

City Manager Desentz gave a presentation on 2024 Goals and Objectives. No action taken. Request by Commission to add language on diversity and inclusion.

Adopted the proposed downtown master plan.

Set a public hearing for Monday, April 24, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. on the Public Gathering Spaces Initiative grant proposal as required by the MEDC.

Approved the Broadway Central concept as proposed for 2023 and allow staff to engage in discussion with business owners on the expansion of outdoor seating opportunities.

Adjourned the meeting at 8:12 p.m.

Armed Robbery Suspects in Custody

On March 30, 2023 at approximately 7:48 p.m., officers from the Mt. Pleasant Police Department responded to an armed robbery at the 300 block of Oak Street.

Two male suspects, ages 19 and 17 years-old were placed into custody. No injuries were sustained, and there is no risk to the public.

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department was assisted by the Isabella County Sheriff’s Department, Michigan State Police, Central Michigan University Police, Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Police, and Isabella County Central Dispatch.

Two Car Accident Leads to Fatality

On February 3, 2023 at approximately 3:35 p.m. officers from the Mt. Pleasant Police Department responded to a two-car accident involving a Chevy Impala and a Ford F-250 at Sweeney and Broomfield Street. A Chevy Impala traveling south on Sweeney failed to yield to oncoming traffic. A Ford F-250 traveling west on Broomfield collided with the driver’s side of the Chevy Impala.

The driver of the Ford F-250, a 61-year-old male, and a 61-year-old female passenger both from the Port Huron area refused medical treatment at the scene.

The passenger in the Chevy Impala, a 92-year-old male was pronounced deceased at a local hospital. The driver, an 81-year-old female is currently in critical condition. Both individuals are from the Mt. Pleasant area.

This accident remains under investigation.

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department was assisted by the Michigan State Police, Central Michigan University Police, Mobile Medical Response, Isabella County Central Dispatch and the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department.

Sergeant Dave VanDyke to Retire from MPPD

Sergeant Dave VanDyke will be retiring on January 21, after more than 26 years of service to the Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD). A graduate of the Delta Police Academy, Dave initially joined the city as a seasonal park ranger before being hired as a full-time police officer. He later served as Public Information Officer (PIO) interfacing with both the community and media. VanDyke was ultimately promoted to Sergeant, following in the footsteps of his father, Sergeant Wayne VanDyke who retired from the MPPD in 1991.

VanDyke was heavily involved in the MPPD’s training programs, serving as both a firearms and defensive tactics instructor. He was a crime scene investigator for 25 years, an evidence technician, and was a member of the Traffic Enforcement Team and a team leader on the Emergency Services Team, on which he served for 22 years.

Reflecting on his career with the MPPD, VanDyke observed, “I have had a multitude of memorable moments, many of which were tragic high-profile cases. But the one constant was the dedication and extreme effort put forth by members of the MPPD.” He continued, “It is a challenging job, but being part of our committed public safety team was very rewarding. I look forward to our new recruits being able to experience this same feeling of camaraderie.”

“During his impressive tenure with the MPPD, Dave has remained steadfast in his service to law enforcement and our community, Director Paul Lauria recalled. “Throughout his many special assignments and at times, tragic cases, Dave exhibited both compassion and an unwavering drive to solve a case.” Lauria added, “Dave continuously valued the importance of training. He served as a respected firearms and defensive tactics instructor to help refine the skills of our officers. This, along with Dave’s tireless service on our Emergency Services Team, were vital assets to our department. His expertise and commitment will certainly be missed.”

In retirement, VanDyke will pursue another position where he can continue to serve his community.

Your Help Needed in the MPPD’s Polar Plunge Challenge

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD) is taking the plunge to benefit Special Olympics Michigan athletes.

We need your help in raising $15,000. Once that goal is met, MPPD Command Officers will take the chilly dive at the Polar Plunge event, scheduled for 12 p.m. on February 11, 2023 at the Wayside/O’Kelly’s parking lot.

How can you help?

Just visit https://give.classy.org/mtppd to make your donation and help the MPPD reach its $15,000 goal. Gifts of any amount are welcome.

Cash and check donations are also accepted. Checks can be made payable to Special Olympics of Michigan, with “MPPD Polar Plunge” notated on the memo line. Donations can be mailed or delivered to:

Division of Public Safety

ATTN: MPPD Polar Plunge

804 E. High St.

Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858

Don’t miss the opportunity to help Special Olympics of Michigan, and witness Paul Lauria, Brandon Bliss and Mike Williams take their icy plunge. Donate today.