Emmet County Sheriff's Office

10/05/2026

Victim Services Unit

When someone is facing a crisis, having the right support can make all the difference. Our Victim Services Unit volunteers work alongside law enforcement to provide compassion, reassurance, and assistance to individuals during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

If you’re someone who wants to make a difference, support others in times of need, and serve your community, we’d love to hear from you.

Qualities needed of a VSU Volunteer?

Volunteering with VSU takes compassion, dependability, and the ability to remain steady when situations are difficult. We’re looking for individuals who demonstrate:

Compassion & Understanding: The ability to offer support, reassurance, and kindness while remaining nonjudgmental.

Composure Under Pressure: The ability to remain calm, focused, and supportive during emotionally difficult or high-stress situations.

Active Listening: The willingness to listen carefully and provide a supportive presence to individuals who may be overwhelmed or in distress.

Confidentiality & Professionalism: A strong commitment to protecting personal information, maintaining appropriate boundaries, and conducting yourself with integrity.

Dependability & Availability: A willingness to serve in an on-call capacity and respond when deputies need additional support for individuals experiencing a crisis.

If you’re ready to be there for someone when they need it most, consider becoming a VSU volunteer.

HOW TO APPLY:

Turn in a completed application to the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office, 450 Bay St., Petoskey, MI. The application can be found online under the Victim Services Unit tab on emmetcounty.org. If you are unable to print the online application, paper copies are available at the Sheriff’s Office.

For more information on the application process or questions about the role, please reach out the Director of the VSU, Wendy Kuebler.

Email: [email protected]

Help serve our community and join the VSU team today!

10/03/2026

Safety Day at Home Depot

The Emmet County Sheriff’s Office was happy to take part in Safety Day at Home Depot. We enjoyed spending time with community members and sharing safety information. We appreciate everyone who stopped by to say hello to our Deputies!

A special thank you to Home Depot for inviting us to this event and supporting their local first responders and community.

10/01/2026

09/23/2026

🚨 PUBLIC SAFETY ANNOUNCEMENT — US 31 & CULVER’S PARKING LOT 🚨

The Emmet County Sheriff’s Office is urging motorists to use extreme caution when traveling on US 31 Highway near Culver’s. For everyone’s safety, the Sheriff’s Office strongly recommends that southbound traffic does NOT make a left turn directly into the Culver’s parking lot from US 31 Highway. Vehicles traveling northbound may not see a southbound vehicle slowing or turning left across traffic into the Culver’s parking lot. This creates a serious potential for crashes and puts both the turning driver and northbound motorists at risk.

⚠️ We have seen an influx of accidents in this area, making it especially important for motorists to be aware of the risks associated with this maneuver. It is suggested that motorists only access the Culver’s parking lot when traveling northbound. If needed, motorists traveling southbound are encouraged to use a nearby parking lot with an exit onto a four-way intersection controlled by a traffic light. The traffic light will allow travelers to safely change their direction of travel and proceed northbound, allowing for safer access to the Culver’s parking lot without making a left turn across northbound traffic. This route helps eliminate the need to cross multiple lanes of northbound traffic and reduces the potential for conflicts with vehicles traveling northbound.

The Emmet County Sheriff’s Office is also working with the appropriate agencies and stakeholders to address safety concerns in this area. Conversations are underway regarding improvements to the area, with input provided by the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office. Until improvements can be made, please slow down, stay alert, and use extra caution when traveling through this area. Please share this message to help keep our community safe. 🚔

09/18/2026

Stop Sign Reminder

Red Sign. Full Stop. Every Time.
The Sheriff's Office has received multiple complaints of vehicles ignoring stop signs. As a reminder, at every stop sign the vehicle should come to a complete stop.
Stop signs are NOT suggestions and will be enforced accordingly.
Thank you and drive safe!

09/17/2026

*UPDATE* Homicide Investigation Results in Arrest in Bear Creek Township

Date: September 17, 2026 at 1650 hours

The Emmet County Sheriff’s Office announces that Charles Hudson Butcher, age 73, has been arrested in connection with a homicide that occurred in Bear Creek Township (Petoskey).

The victim in this investigation is Steven Michael Krussell, 66 also of Bear Creek Township.

Preliminary information gathered during the initial investigation indicates that the suspect and the victim were known to one another and had previous interactions.

Charles Hudson Butcher is currently lodged at the Emmet County Jail on a count of Open Homicide.

Investigators have successfully recovered the weapon involved in the incident.

While the suspect is currently in custody, the investigation remains active and ongoing.

“Emmet County Sheriff Matt Leirstein confirmed that the community faces no ongoing danger following the recent investigation and arrest." Additionally, Sheriff Leirstein would like to thank the following agencies for their assistance during this investigation: The Petoskey Department of Public Safety, The Michigan State Police and the MSP Crime Lab, Emmet County EMS, the Emmet County Victim Services Unit, and Mid-Michigan Medical Examiners Group.

As additional details and verified information become available regarding this ongoing investigation, the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office plans to issue subsequent media releases as long as it does not compromise the integrity of the investigation.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: For true and verified information regarding this investigation, the public is strongly encouraged to follow the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office directly through their official mobile application or their verified social media sites. Avoid relying on unverified rumors or third-party reports.

09/17/2026

*UPDATE* Bear Creek Township Shooting Investigation - Person of Interest in Custody

The Emmet County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting incident that occurred in Bear Creek Township.

A person of interest has been taken into custody and is currently speaking with detectives regarding the incident.

Sheriff Matt Leirstein wants to reassure residents that there is no ongoing threat or danger to the public at this time.

Additional details will be released as the investigation progresses and information can be appropriately shared. Anyone with relevant information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office.

For verified information and updates related to this investigation, be sure to download and follow the Emmet County Sheriff’s Mobile Application and social media outlets.

09/17/2026

*UPDATE* Bear Creek Township Shooting Investigation - Person of Interest in Custody
Description:
The Emmet County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting incident that occurred in Bear Creek Township.

A person of interest has been taken into custody and is currently speaking with detectives regarding the incident.

Sheriff Matt Leirstein wants to reassure residents that there is no ongoing threat or danger to the public at this time.

Additional details will be released as the investigation progresses and information can be appropriately shared. Anyone with relevant information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office.

For verified information and updates related to this investigation, be sure to download and follow the Emmet County Sheriff’s Mobile Application and social media outlets.

EMMET COUNTY SHERIFF’S
Media Release / Public Statement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: September 17, 2026 Location: Bear Creek Township, MI Subject: Active Investigation – Critical Incident

The Emmet County Sheriff’s Office is currently on the scene of an active and ongoing investigation in Bear Creek Township following a reported shooting incident.

Law enforcement personnel have secured the area, and there is no active, ongoing threat to the general public at this time. Investigators are actively processing the scene and conducting interviews to determine the full circumstances surrounding the event.

Out of respect for the integrity of the ongoing investigation and the privacy of those involved, no further details or specific information regarding identities or conditions will be released at this time.

Additional information will be provided via official press releases as the investigation progresses and verified facts become available.

09/13/2026

National Police Woman’s Day

In honor of National Police Woman's Day yesterday, we'd like to recognize Deputy Smith, Deputy Carr, and Deputy Shaw. We appreciate their contributions to the office and the work they do.
We recognize and celebrate the incredible women who serve in law enforcement. Their strength, dedication, courage, and compassion make a difference in the community they serve each day.
Thank you to all of the women who proudly wear the badge and answer the call to serve and protect.

09/13/2026

9/11 Memorial Walk

25 years of remembering, honoring, and never forgetting.

Members of the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office joined the Harbor Springs Fire Department, other local first responders, and community members for a memorial walk for the events of 9/11 and the first responders who gave their lives.

As we mark 25 years since that tragic day, we continue to carry the memory of the first responders and recognize their bravery, selflessness, and the commitment demonstrated by those who answer the call to serve.