Branch County Sheriff's Office

09/05/2026

NARCOTICS ARREST – COLDWATER

A traffic stop on September 3 led to a larger narcotics investigation and the arrest of a 37-year-old Coldwater man. Following a search of the vehicle and residence, suspected methamphetamine and co***ne were recovered, along with evidence consistent with the sale and distribution of narcotics.

The suspect has since been formally charged with multiple felony offenses and remains lodged in the Branch County Jail.

See the full press release below for additional details.

All individuals are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

09/04/2026

Today, I had the honor of giving Ruk his Oath of Office. 🐾

Ruk is our newest scent-specific man-trailing bloodhound, and his journey to the Branch County Sheriff’s Office is nothing short of remarkable. He was rescued from a kill shelter in Ohio by Keith and Jackie Harris, members of our volunteer search and canine team, who saw something special in him and gave him a second chance.

Ruk’s name is short for Ragnarok, meaning a new beginning—and his story truly represents just that.

He was saved, and now he has the opportunity to save someone someday.

We are proud to welcome Ruk to the team and excited to see the lives he will touch and the people he will help bring home. ❤️🐾

Sheriff Blankenship

09/04/2026

Our fall boater safety class is a great opportunity for next year's boaters! Registration is open and you can sign up online here: https://michigan.storefront.kalkomey.com/em/events/11563

09/03/2026

09/01/2026

📢 Courthouse Parking Update

Please see the attached press release regarding temporary parking and access changes at the Branch County Courthouse beginning Tuesday, September 8, due to the Hudson Street reconstruction project. Please plan accordingly and allow extra time when visiting the courthouse.

08/31/2026

♻️ TIRE RECYCLING EVENT – BRANCH COUNTY RESIDENTS! ♻️

Got a pile of old tires taking up space? Here’s your chance to get rid of them FREE and the right way!

📅 Saturday, October 10, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 East Parking Lot of Animal Control
375 Keith Wilhelm Dr., Coldwater, MI 49036

A few important details:

✅ FREE – no fee
🚗 Passenger vehicle and pickup tires only
🚫 No semi or tractor tires
🔢 Limit of 10 tires per vehicle
⏱️ First come, first served, while supplies last

Please help us keep the collection area clean! Tires should only be dropped off during the designated event hours. Dumping tires on public property outside of the event is illegal and may result in citations and fines. The area is monitored by 24-hour surveillance cameras.

This event is provided by Branch County and the Van Buren Conservation District through the EGLE Scrap Tire Grant.

Questions? Email [email protected]

08/31/2026

🚨 Apparently, we need to clear something up about those red and blue lights… 🚨

The Branch County Sheriff’s Office had another motorist decide that the best way to handle a traffic stop was to keep driving.

Just a friendly reminder: When you see those red and blue lights behind you, you are not being invited to participate in a spontaneous road rally.

Those lights generally mean a deputy would like you to pull over and have a brief conversation. Trust us, pulling over is almost always the easier option.

Running from the police tends to turn a simple traffic stop into a much longer conversation—with considerably more paperwork. 📝

See the lights? Hear the sirens? Pull over. Let’s keep it simple and safe.

08/26/2026

School Bus & School Zone Safety

As a new school year gets underway, I want to remind everyone to slow down, pay attention, and make safety a priority in and around our schools.

When a school bus has its red lights flashing, STOP. Do not attempt to pass the bus. Those flashing lights mean children are getting on or off the bus, and a few seconds of impatience can have life-changing consequences.

Please also remember to:

Slow down and watch carefully in school zones.
Follow posted speed limits and traffic signs.
Watch for children crossing streets and entering or leaving vehicles.
Stay alert for buses stopping to pick up or drop off students.
Put the phone down and eliminate distractions while driving.

Our children are counting on all of us to get them to school and back home safely. Please slow down, be patient, and remember that getting there a little later is always better than not getting there at all.

Let's have a safe and successful school year!

Sheriff Fred Blankenship