Police reports

By Annette Christie

Coloma Township Police activity

 On April 22, 2017, a Coloma Township police officer stopped a vehicle near the intersection of Ryno Road and Friday Road for failure to use a turn signal and no visible registration plate.

At the 1:10 a.m. traffic stop, the driver from Kalamazoo was issued a misdemeanor appearance for driving with a suspended license.

On April 13, a Coloma Township police officer stopped a vehicle near Little Paw Paw Lake Road and Clymer Road at about 11:10 p.m. The driver, a 38-year-old Coloma man, was found to have two outstanding misdemeanor traffic warrants for his arrest. The driver was able to post bond on the warrants and was then released.

On April 14, a Coloma Township police officer stopped a vehicle on E. Center near S. Paw Paw Street at about 2:04 p.m. for speeding. The driver, a 31-year-old Hartford man was issued a misdemeanor citation for driving with a license suspended and released.

Spring safety tips

With the beautiful weather of Southwest Michigan arriving, Berrien County Sheriff L. Paul Bailey would like to remind the public of some safe tips to ensure the safety of the motorcyclists and bicyclists utilizing the roadways.

Other Drivers: Look for motorcycles and bicycles; check your blind spots; be aware that a motorcycle may seem farther away or moving faster than it actually is; allow more following distance; keep at least three feet away from bicyclists when passing them; watch for bicyclists at driveways, alleys, and intersections; be extra alert in neighborhoods and around schools.

Motorcyclists: Drive to survive; always wear a DOT approved helmet; check yourself and your bike; inspect and maintain your motorcycle and your protective gear; ride smart and be prepared to react; follow the rules of the road; watch your speed; give yourself space, it is tough for drivers to judge your speed properly; be alert to blind spots around big trucks, if you cannot see the driver in the truck’s side view mirror, the driver can’t see you.

Bicyclists: Always wear a helmet; inspect and maintain your bicycle and your protective gear; obey the same traffic rules as all motorists and obey all traffic signs and signals; before entering a public road, STOP!; scan for traffic and signal before getting on to the roadway; ride on the right side of the road, close to the curb and be prepared for rocks, sand, trash, and other obstacles; always use lights and reflectors if you ride at night.