Mt. Pleasant Police Department’s Cram-a-Cruiser Drive Offers Dining Deals and Fun

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD), Krapohl Ford Lincoln, as well as restaurants, Mountain Town Station, and Summit Smokehouse, invite the public to help ‘cram-a-cruiser’ with new, unwrapped, unopened toys to support Toys for Tots.

November 29 – December 16 Treat yourself to a delicious meal while helping the toy drive. Bring a toy and enjoy 25% off your individual meal at Mountain Town Station or Summit Smokehouse. (Alcohol excluded.)

December 4 from 3:00 – 5:30 p.m. at Krapohl Ford Lincoln, 1415 E. Pickard Road.

December 12 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. in front of the Division of Public Safety Building, 804 E. High Street.

MPPD Youth Services Officer Josh Theisen shared, “Every year our department looks forward to participating in the Toys for Tots program and helping our area youth have a good holiday.” He continued, “An added bonus is witnessing the strong partnerships and commitment between community members and local businesses to make this happen for our kids.”

Toy drop-off boxes are also located inside the Division of Public Safety Building Lobby (802 E. High Street) and the City Hall Lobby (320 W. Broadway Street).

MPPD Reminds Drivers of the Dangers of Impaired Driving

During the busy, end-of-summer travel season that includes the Labor Day holiday weekend, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will be working alongside the Michigan State Police (MSP) and the Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD) to remind drivers of the dangers of impaired driving.

In 2023, 41% of fatalities on Michigan roadways involved alcohol and/or drugs. According to the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, out of the 8,817 alcohol-involved crashes, 297 were fatalities. Whereas the 2,250 drug-involved crashes resulted in 256 fatalities.

In Michigan, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, although motorists can be arrested at any BAC level if an officer believes they are impaired.

MPPD’s Public Information Officer David Coffman, shared, “No matter what the substance may be, if it has impaired you, you should not be driving. The MPPD wants everyone to enjoy the end of the summer. Commit to yourself and to your community that you will drive safe and sober every day.”

To increase awareness and encourage safe and sober driving, the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) is funding a statewide media campaign about the dangers of impaired driving. The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is coordinated by the OHSP and supported with federal traffic safety funds provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation and NHTSA.

Mt. Pleasant Police Investigating Bicyclist Fatality

On May 22, 2024, at 6:13 p.m., officers from the Mt. Pleasant Police Department responded to a vehicle/bicycle incident in the area of W. High and S. Henry Street. Upon arrival, officers found a 67-year-old male bicyclist from Mt. Pleasant deceased as a result of being struck by a vehicle headed westbound on High Street. The driver of the vehicle, a 57-year-old female from Mt. Pleasant, was not injured.

This is an open and on-going 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 the Michigan State Police, Mobile Medical Response, Isabella County Central Dispatch, Isabella County Medical Examiner’s office, Isabella County Sheriff Department, and the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department.

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.