George James

Officer Shoots Dog

A Port Huron police officer injured a dog Tuesday morning after it charged at him while responding to a neighbor dispute on Williamsburg Drive. The call came around 10:17, when the officer encountered two aggressive dogs at one home. He fired his weapon, striking one dog, which was taken to St. Clair County Animal Control. The officer sustained minor injuries but did not seek medical care. Authorities are investigating whether the dogs were deliberately provoked.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Park Faces $10,000 in Vandalism

East China Park has seen growing damage over the summer, with graffiti, broken fixtures, and even cut-down trees causing an estimated $10,000 in losses. Parks Manager Deanna Slanec says repairing the damage could take until spring. Deputies from the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office have stepped up patrols, and security cameras are being installed to catch vandals. Officials say two young men appear responsible for it, and no new incidents have occurred since patrols increased. Anyone with tips is asked to contact Deputy Dawson Sugars.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Preliminary Hearing Set in Gas Station Killing

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 4th for 36-year-old Oile accused of killing 30-year-old Reginald Franklin at a Port Huron Marathon gas station. Court documents say Franklin was shot multiple times at the Military Street location on Oct. 13th after a confrontation with Oile. Franklin was rushed to Lake Huron Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. The hearing will determine if enough evidence exists to move the case to a jury trial. Oile faces an open murder charge, carrying up to life in prison.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Sarnia Seeks Public Input

Sarnia residents have until 4:30 p.m. on November 10th to weigh in on the Mitton Streetscape project through an online survey. The city plans to rebuild Mitton Street from Wellington to Davis, upgrading sewers and creating a “complete street” that’s safer and more welcoming for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. Designs feature wider sidewalks, bike lanes, street trees, and flexible spaces for patios or events. Three options focus on different combinations of parking, bike lanes, and public space. Construction could begin next year, pending budget approval.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Man Pleads Guilty in Teen Sex Assault Case

A Hamtramck man will now face sentencing in St. Clair County after taking a plea deal in a Port Huron teen sex assault case. Prosecutors dropped several top felony charges after 23-year-old Mansoor Obaid admitted in court to three criminal sexual conduct counts tied to a February attack in a Port Huron parking lot. Police say a rape exam later matched Obaid’s DNA. He remains in the county jail on a $500,000 bond and will be sentenced December 1st by Judge Michael West.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Woman’s Short Drive Turns Into 250-Mile Ordeal

A Lapeer woman’s short drive home turned into a 250-mile adventure last week. 79-year-old Georgia Oates left Eastpointe on last Tuesday, but got lost and later lost phone contact with her son. Her car was spotted near Saginaw early Wednesday, far from her intended destination. Michigan State Police confirmed she was safely found later that afternoon near Cheboygan, just south of the Mackinac Bridge. Authorities thanked the public for tips and assistance during her unexpected journey.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet