Deputies Under Scrutiny

Four Washtenaw County deputies are on leave after a deadly police shooting earlier this month in Ypsilanti. Sheriff Alyshia Dyer says a deputy shot and killed a 34-year-old St. Clair County man after he fled a felony traffic stop on January 6th near Michigan Avenue and Prospect Road. Deputies said they believed the man was armed, but investigators later found no weapon in his vehicle. Michigan State Police are handling the case, and the sheriff says body camera footage will be released soon.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Youth Empowerment Breakfast

In Port Huron young people are gearing up to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with the return of the MLK Youth Empowerment Breakfast this Saturday at Kingdom Authority Ministries on Lapeer Avenue. Ages 13 to 24 can join for free under this year’s theme, “Dreams in Motion: Turning Purpose into Power.” After a long pause since before the pandemic, organizers say they’re excited to bring back the high-energy event with live music, free breakfast, and leadership training focused on youth voice and civic engagement.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Bridge Detour To Affect Westbound Drivers

Drivers heading toward the Blue Water Bridge this weekend should expect a brief detour. The Michigan Department of Transportation will close the westbound I-94 and I-69 connector from Pine Grove Avenue for pavement repairs Friday through Monday. Westbound traffic will be routed along Pine Grove and Griswold Street before rejoining the freeway. The project aims to fix past patchwork failures and boost long-term safety. MDOT urges drivers to plan ahead and check its website for live traffic updates.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

East China Man Charged

Michigan State Police say a 60-year-old East China man is facing serious charges after investigators found child sexual abuse material on his devices. Detectives with the state’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force arrested Mark A. Piper after discovering he was sharing files online. Piper turned himself in and now faces ten counts, including aggravated possession and using a computer to commit a crime. He’s already been arraigned and was back in court this week for a probable cause hearing.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet