Eaton County Sheriff's Office

27/08/2026

RECEIVING SCAM CALLS –

We have received several calls from concerned citizens reporting being called by a Lieutenant claiming to be from the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office. The caller refers to a warrant being put out for their arrest for missing jury duty and requesting payment be made to avoid going to jail.

Please note that jury duty is not a function of the Sheriff’s Office and be assured that our office will never call anyone requesting payment for a warrant or citation.

12/08/2026

Michigan Police Unity Team Thin Blue Shoreline Ride 2026 -

Sgt. Pete Walter participated in the Michigan Police Unity Team Thin Blue Shoreline Ride representing the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office and our officers killed in the line of duty so that they are not forgotten. He and 4 officers from other Michigan law enforcement agencies have participated in this ride since 2019, see attached picture. This year’s ride was held August 10-13.

This annual event is organized by the Michigan Police Unity Team, a non-profit made up of law enforcement officers and survivors of officers who have died in the line of duty. The Thin Blue Shoreline Memorial Ride is a bicycle ride the occurs along the west side of Michigan’s shoreline. Forty participants ride 360 miles over 4 days. Each rider must raise a minimum of $1,250 in donations to participate in the ride. The money raised is donated to organizations who assist the families of officers who have died in the line of duty. A majority of the donations go to Michigan Concerns of Police Survivors, an organization that helps survivors through the grief process with peer support, financial assistance to attend National Police Week in Washington DC, and Survivor Programs such as Retreats, Kids Camp and Outward Bound. Donations are also given to the Michigan Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial in Lansing, the Metro Detroit Police and Fire Pipe and Drum Band, and other organizations who assist these families. Over the 4 days, the group stops at several memorials along the route to honor those officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Their stories are told so that they are not forgotten. Family members are there to honor their officers alongside the members of the Thin Blue Shoreline Ride.

Pictured are Sgt. Walter with Dep. Rebekah who came to cheer him on, the officers who have participated each year since 2019, a group photo of this year's riders, and Eaton County Sheriff’s Office Deputies killed in the line of duty.

10/08/2026

Traffic Stop Leads to Multiple Felony Charges

On August 7, 2026, Delta Night Shift Deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of Waverly Road and Lochmoor Drive.

During the traffic stop, two subjects attempted to flee on foot but were quickly apprehended by deputies. A “ghost gun” was recovered from each of the two subjects who attempted to flee.

One individual was lodged at the Eaton County Jail, while the other was lodged at the Eaton County Juvenile Detention Center. Both individuals face charges of Resisting and Obstructing a Police Officer, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, and Felony Fi***rm.
This investigation remains ongoing.

All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

04/08/2026

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT IS HAPPENING NOW -

PLEASE BRING YOUR FAMILY AND ENJOY THE FUN

26/07/2026

PRESS RELEASE - FATAL ACCIDENT

The Eaton County Sheriff's Office is investigating a fatal traffic crash that occurred on July 24, 2026, at approximately 9:30 p.m. in Delta Township.

Deputies responded to the area of Lansing Rd and Old Lansing Rd following reports of a serious single motor vehicle crash, in which a pickup truck lost control and rolled over. The driver of the vehicle, a 40-year-old male from Lansing, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The crash remains under investigation.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information that may assist investigators is encouraged to contact D/Lieutenant Aaron Campbell at (517) 543-5823.

The Eaton County Sheriff's Office extends its sincere condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this tragic incident.

17/07/2026

After nearly 25 years of dedicated service, we would like to congratulate Deputy John Davidson on his retirement from the Eaton County Sheriff's Office.

Deputy Davidson joined the Sheriff's Office in July 2001 and has spent his career serving the people of Eaton County with professionalism, integrity, and quiet compassion. While his law enforcement career is impressive on its own, those who know him understand that his greatest impact often came from the things no one ever saw.

Over the years, he has quietly paid for fuel for stranded motorists, covered the cost of hotel rooms for people facing difficult times, and built wheelchair ramps and decks for community members in need, all at his own expense. If someone happened to find out, his only request was usually, "Please don't tell anyone." He never looked for recognition, he simply believed it was the right thing to do.

As a Field Training Officer, Deputy Davidson also helped shape the next generation of deputies. He trained countless new deputies, many of whom have gone on to become leaders within our agency. His influence will continue to be felt for many years through those he mentored and the example he set every day.

Deputy Davidson has been more than a deputy, he has been a trusted friend, mentor, and a true staple of this community. His legacy isn't measured only by the calls he answered or the years he served, but by the countless lives he quietly made better along the way.

While we know he would prefer that little fuss be made over his retirement, some careers deserve to be recognized. Thank you for 25 years of selfless service, unwavering dedication, and for reminding all of us what it truly means to serve others.

Congratulations on your retirement, John. We wish you and your family nothing but health, happiness, and the very best in this next chapter. Thank you for showing us that being a great deputy starts with being a great person.

15/07/2026

07/07/2026

🚨 SCAM ALERT 🚨
We have had several people contact the Eaton County Sheriff's Office today after receiving phone calls from someone identifying themselves as Officer Richard Johnson with the Eaton County Sheriff's Office.

The caller tells victims they have a warrant for missing jury duty and must pay a fine immediately to have the warrant taken care of.

This is a scam.

The Eaton County Sheriff's Office does not have an employee by that name, and we will never call you demanding payment to clear a warrant or avoid arrest.

If you receive one of these calls:

• Do not send any money or provide personal or financial information.
• Hang up immediately.
• If you are unsure whether a call is legitimate, contact the Eaton County Sheriff's Office directly using our non-emergency number.

Please share this post to help warn your family and friends and prevent others from becoming victims of this scam.

01/07/2026

Retirement Announcement -

Today, we celebrate the retirement of Detective Ted Johnson after more than 25 years of dedicated service to law enforcement and the citizens of Eaton County.

Ted began his law enforcement career with the Detroit Police Department in 1999 before joining the Eaton County Sheriff's Office in 2001. Before becoming a police officer, he proudly served our country in the United States Marine Corps, carrying the values of honor, commitment, and service with him throughout his career.

Over the past 25 years, Ted has worn many hats within our agency. He served as an investigator with the Tri-County Metro Narcotics Team, responded to dangerous methamphetamine lab investigations, trained new deputies as a field training officer, instructed defensive tactics, and spent many years on our Special Response Team as a sniper. No matter the assignment, Ted approached every challenge with professionalism, confidence, and a quiet determination that earned the respect of everyone around him.

In 2012, Ted joined the Detective Bureau, where he found his calling. Over the next 14 years, he investigated some of the most serious crimes in Eaton County. His work helped bring dangerous offenders to justice, provided answers for victims and their families, and made our community a safer place. Many of the cases he worked on will never make headlines, but the impact of his work will be felt for years to come.

Ted's legacy isn't measured only by the cases he solved. It can also be seen in the deputies and detectives he mentored, the knowledge he shared, and the example he set every day. He has always been someone others could rely on for advice, support, and steady leadership. His commitment to excellence was recently recognized when he was named the Eaton County Sheriff's Office Deputy of the Year, an honor that reflects the tremendous respect he has earned throughout his career.

While we're sad to see Ted hang up his badge, we're grateful for everything he has given to this agency and to the people of Eaton County. His professionalism, integrity, and dedication have left a lasting mark on our Sheriff's Office, and he will certainly be missed.

Please join us in congratulating Detective Ted Johnson on his retirement and thanking him for his 25 years of outstanding service. We wish Ted and his family nothing but health, happiness, and many new adventures in the years ahead.

Congratulations, Ted, and thank you for your service. Enjoy your well-earned retirement!

01/07/2026

Retirement Announcement -

Today, we proudly recognize and celebrate the retirement of Deputy Troy Hansbarger after more than 25 years of dedicated service to the Eaton County Sheriff's Office and the residents of Eaton County.

Troy began his career with the Sheriff's Office in June 2001 and has spent the past quarter century serving our community with professionalism, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to helping others. Throughout his career, he served as a Road Patrol Deputy, was a proud member of our Honor Guard, and made a lasting impact as a School Resource Officer (SRO).

As an SRO, Troy helped establish School Resource Officer programs at two different schools, building strong relationships with students, teachers, administrators, and families. His work helped create safer schools while giving countless young people a trusted deputy they could turn to for guidance and support.
His commitment to our community extended far beyond his assigned duties.

Troy was a familiar face at community events, including Shop with a Cop and many other outreach programs, always volunteering his time to connect with the people we serve. He also dedicated countless hours to teaching Hunter Safety, helping young people learn responsibility, fi***rm safety, and respect for Michigan's outdoor traditions. In addition, he also taught ATV Safety, Snowmobile Safety, and Boating Safety classes to dozens of kids and adults.

Anyone who had the opportunity to work alongside Troy knew they could count on him. Whether it meant covering a shift, assisting with a special assignment, mentoring a fellow deputy, or volunteering at a community event, Troy was always willing to step up. His dependability, leadership, and strong work ethic earned the respect of his coworkers and the gratitude of the community.

For Troy, wearing the badge was never just a job, it was a calling. His presence at school events, athletic competitions, community gatherings, and neighborhood functions reflected his genuine passion for serving others and making Eaton County a better place to live.

While we will certainly miss seeing him in uniform, his legacy of service, leadership, and compassion will continue to be felt throughout our agency and community for years to come.
Please join us in thanking Deputy Troy Hansbarger for his more than 25 years of dedicated service to the Eaton County Sheriff's Office and wishing him and his family a healthy, happy, and well-deserved retirement.

Congratulations, Troy, and thank you for your service. Enjoy the next chapter, you've certainly earned it!