Traffic stop leads to drug arrest

On July 10, 2017, an officer stopped a vehicle for failing to come to a complete stop at a stop sign. The driver was identified as Christopher Perez, a 32-year-old Grand Rapids man, whose license was currently suspended. The officer re-approached the vehicle and found Perez chewing a green leafy substance later identified as marijuana. Perez was taken into custody for Driving with a Suspended License and Tampering with Evidence.

While at the Isabella County Jail, the officer searched Perez and recovered 12 individually wrapped bindles of heroin stuffed in Perez’s pants. The total weight of the bindles was 11 grams.

Perez was lodged at the Isabella County Jail. Perez was arraigned on charges of Controlled Substance-Delivery/Manufacture Less than 50 grams-second offense notice; Controlled Substance-Possession-second offense notice; Tampering with Evidence; and Operating-License Suspended, Revoked, Denied-second office notice. Bond was set at $800,000/ten percent.

Perez remains lodged at the Isabella County Sheriff’s Department.

Sytsema named Mt. Pleasant police lieutenant

dsytsem The City recently announced the promotion of Detective Don Sytsema to police lieutenant. Sytsema has dedicated 22 years to the Mt. Pleasant Police Department, serving first as an officer and later as detective.

As lieutenant, Sytsema will oversee day-to-day operations of the road patrol and detective bureau, and will be responsible for duties related to crime analysis and prevention. He will also coordinate special operations with other area law enforcement agencies, among many other tasks.

“We are very confident and pleased with Don’s decision to be a part of the police administration team,” said Police Captain Andy Latham. “Don is a creative and analytical thinker who uses his head and his heart to make decisions. This lends to an inclusive leadership style that is well received and embraced by those around him.”

Sytsema is looking forward to the new challenge. “My vision is that our department will continue to use and explore new technology to support the solving of crime,” he said. Sytsema also envisions continued police engagement with our community and businesses, as he is committed to cultivating positive relationships.

Sytsema will fill the role of lieutenant beginning April 16.

Latham named captain of Mt. Pleasant Police Department

Andy Latham has been named captain of the Mt. Pleasant Police Department. Latham began his career with the City as an officer more than 20 years ago, and has since served as sergeant and lieutenant.

In his new role, Latham is looking forward to the opportunity to connect with community members. “I hope to continue our tradition of excellent police work while making our department more personable and approachable,” said Latham. He hopes this will lead to more interaction between officers and the community on a social level.

As captain, Latham says he also plans to learn new phases of police administration while working with and supporting staff in any way he can.

Latham replaces the department’s former captain, Paul Lauria, who took the helm as the City’s director of public safety/police chief in February.