Man Arrested for Attempted Robbery of Truck Driver

A Port Huron man, Eric Chippewa, was arrested for allegedly threatening a semi-truck driver outside Walmart in Fort Gratiot. Chippewa, 37, demanded $20 from the driver in late April. When the driver refused, Chippewa reportedly threatened to shoot unless the money was given. The driver called 911, and Chippewa was quickly arrested. Although no gun was found, Chippewa faces an armed robbery charge, which carries a penalty of up to life in prison. His bond is set at $50,000, with a court hearing scheduled for Tuesday.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Lake St. Clair: Top Fishing Destination

Lake St. Clair, right here in St. Clair County, is a fishing paradise, ranked third best in the U.S. by Fishing Booker. Locals and visitors love casting lines for smallmouth bass, muskellunge, and walleye, especially from boats or kayaks. Even from shore, there’s plenty of action. The season kicks off in spring and runs through fall, with ice fishing drawing crowds in winter. A Michigan or Ontario fishing license is all you need to join the fishing fun.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

K-9 Hero Axel Retires

In Lapeer County, K-9 Axel, a loyal German Shepherd, retired on May 5 after nearly eight years of of dedicated service. Axel, who joined the department in ’17 as the county’s first K-9 in over a decade, was a trailblazer, using his sharp nose to sniff out illegal drugs and track down missing people or suspects. Axel is trading his badge for a cozy life at home with his handler, Deputy Frank Ruzicka, where he’ll enjoy well-earned rest as a full-time family pet.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Bill Shields Local Heroes

State Representative Jaime Greene introduced House Bill 4433 to protect local volunteer and on-call emergency responders. The bill stops employers from punishing workers, like New Haven Firefighter Kevyn Swandon, who respond to emergencies before work. It ensures workplace safety and offers legal protection if the rule is broken. The proposal, now in the House Committee on Economic Competitiveness, supports heroes in Lapeer, St. Clair, and Macomb counties.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet