Austin for Sheriff

07/14/2026

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07/14/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Vehicle Crash Later Resulting in Death
Pinora Township
Released by Sheriff Rich Martin

On Friday, June 26, 2026, at approximately 11:30 p.m., deputies with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two-vehicle traffic crash at the intersection of South Saddler Road and E 40th Street in Pinora Township.

The preliminary investigation indicates that a northbound vehicle, driven by a 17-year-old Chase man, failed to come to a complete stop at the posted stop sign and entered the intersection, where it collided with a westbound vehicle driven by a 52-year-old woman.

The female driver was transported by Aeromed to Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids with serious injuries. Despite lifesaving efforts, she tragically succumbed to her injuries several days later.

At this time, investigators have not determined whether speed was a contributing factor. Drugs and alcohol do not appear to have been factors in the crash.

The crash remains under investigation.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Reed City Fire Department, Life EMS, Mecosta County EMS, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Lake County 911 Central Dispatch.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Sergeant Botello at [email protected] and reference Report #2026-00845.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the victim’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.

07/14/2026

🎉 The Lake County Sheriff's Office is proud to announce our 2025 Corrections Division Awards! 🏅

Every day, the men and women of our Corrections Division work tirelessly behind the scenes. They maintain safety, security, and professionalism with unwavering dedication.

Today, we are honored to recognize two outstanding individuals who went above and beyond this past year.

Please join us in celebrating our 2025 honorees:

🌟 Corrections Officer of the Year:
Deputy Pearl Latimer

🌟 Corrections Supervisor of the Year:
Cpl. Shadow Luzier

Thank you, Deputy Latimer and Corporal Luzier, for your exceptional leadership, hard work, and commitment to protecting our community. Your sheriff’s office and your county are incredibly proud of you! 👏👏

07/14/2026

The Lake County Sheriff's Office is proud to recognize our 2025 Road Patrol Division Award Recipients! 🏆

Our Road Patrol deputies are on the front lines every day, answering calls for service, protecting our neighborhoods, enforcing the law, and assisting citizens during some of their most difficult moments. Their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to public safety make a lasting impact throughout Lake County.

It is our privilege to recognize two individuals whose outstanding performance and leadership have set them apart over the past year.

Please join us in congratulating our 2025 Road Patrol Division honorees:

⭐ Road Patrol Officer of the Year:
Deputy Kyle Hickmann

⭐ Road Patrol Supervisor of the Year:
Sergeant Rachael Botello

Congratulations to Deputy Hickmann and Sergeant Botello on this well-deserved recognition. Thank you for your exceptional service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the citizens of Lake County. Your hard work reflects the highest standards of the Lake County Sheriff's Office, and we are proud to have you on our team.

👏 Well deserved!

03/30/2026

03/30/2026