Police Reports

By Annette Christie

Hagar Township collision takes a life

On Tuesday, May 19, 2020, Troopers from the Michigan State Police – Niles Post responded to a two-car accident on M-63 near Paw Paw Road in Hagar Township.

While details of the accident or how it occurred have not been released, State Police state that alcohol is considered to be a factor.

The passenger of one of the vehicles, a 60-year-old female from Benton Harbor was declared deceased at the scene due to mass injuries. The drivers of both vehicles were taken to Spectrum Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph to be treated for their injuries.

Names of the involved parties are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The Michigan State Police were assisted by the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department, Coloma Charter Township Police, North Berrien Fire and Rescue Department, and Medic 1 ambulance.

How to not have your vehicle stolen

In 2018, nearly 750,000 motor vehicles were reported stolen in the United States; that is a vehicle stolen every 42 seconds. The Michigan State Police is reminding residents to take the following precautions to help prevent vehicle theft: Keep your keys with you at all times. Don’t leave your keys in or on the vehicle. Close and lock windows and doors when your vehicle is parked. Never leave valuables in your vehicle, especially where they can be seen. Don’t leave your vehicle running unattended. Always park in well lit areas. Install a car alarm or use a theft deterrent device like a steering wheel lock or gear shift column lock.