George James

Over Labor Day weekend, Michigan State Police in Caro were busy with various incidents, from speeding to gun seizures. A driver in Sanilac County was caught speeding over 100 mph, while troopers handled 39 complaints, eight crashes, and made 190 traffic stops. One trooper led 47 stops, including two in Millington Township where loaded guns were seized. One man was found with an unlicensed handgun, and another was arrested with three firearms. MSP Caro troopers are continuing extra patrols focusing on drunk driving and seatbelt enforcement in the coming weeks.

Reporting for WGRT, JP bZet.

A Sarnia man, Bradley Kelly, 24, has been sentenced to another nine months in jail for weapons offences. Kelly, already serving time for similar incidents at the local hospital, was caught on March 15th with illegal knives while wearing a mask on Brock Street North. Despite explaining he carried the knives for protection, a judge emphasized that weapons are still illegal. Kelly, who has a troubled past, also breached previous probation and weapons bans, extending his jail time. He now faces an additional two-year probation and a 10-year weapons ban.

A Lapeer man, 37 year old Eric John Rydzewski, was arrested last week for possessing child sexually abusive material and using a computer to commit a crime. Michigan State Police seized digital evidence from his home after discovering he was viewing illegal content online. He was charged with multiple felonies and arraigned in Lapeer County’s 71-A District Court. Rydzewski posted a $50,000 bond and pleaded not guilty. The MSP urges parents to discuss online safety with their children.

In a follow up story, a 33-year-old Fort Gratiot man, Brent Durrant, was arrested after allegedly stabbing a 56-year-old relative on Parker Road. The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office apprehended him on Saturday after a search. A 55-year-old woman was also injured with cuts on her hands. Durrant, who has mental health issues, was charged with assault with intent to murder and arraigned Tuesday, with bond set at $250,000.

Port Huron City Council will decide on Monday whether to ask for a speed study on Military Street and Electric Avenue, aiming to reduce speeding. City Manager James Freed says residents have long complained about fast cars on these major roads, which connect Port Huron and Marysville. The study, required by MDOT and Michigan State Police, could lead to lower speed limits. If approved, the city may increase police patrols to enforce any changes, ensuring safety for families in the area.

A suspended Sarnia police officer, Const. Sean Van Vlymen, faces new charges including assault, criminal harassment, animal cruelty, and mischief. Police responded Friday to a dispute involving Van Vlymen, though details are limited to protect the victim. Van Vlymen, 47, was suspended from his duties since August and is now awaiting a court appearance. This follows a previous charge of assault causing bodily harm from an incident in October ’22. Sarnia Police Chief Derek Davis has launched a disciplinary investigation, stressing the commitment to address these issues transparently.