Mancelona Murder: Antrim County Undersheriff Defends Lack of Communication
Antrim County residents politely but adamantly let the Antrim County Commissioners know how they felt about the lack of communication from the Antrim County Sheriff in the recent crises regarding the murder of Daniel Sutherland in Mancelona.
Several residents spoke at a recent meeting of the County Health and Public Safety Committee, stating that they were alarmed by the gunshots, helicopters and police cars in the area during the incident. They felt unsafe without any official information from the Sheriff’s office, which was under the direction of Antrim County Undersheriff Dean Pratt while Sheriff Dan Bean was on vacation.
The residents who spoke joined others who sent in written statements, all upset that the public was not notified that a dangerous man was on the loose for several hours on a Saturday afternoon and evening.
This man eluded the police after breaking and entering/ shooting two people, and breaking into a second home to steal a snowmobile.
Residents’ Concerns
“The police have a difficult job, and no one is questioning the work they did to apprehend the suspect,” one of the public commenters stated. “However, we deserved to know that there was a dangerous man on the loose for several hours. He broke into two homes, shot two people, and was evading police.“
County Commissioner Dawn LaVanway, resident of the area, agreed. “We need to have plans on how to notify the public in situations when people’s lives are in danger,” she said.
Resident and State Representative Triston Cole made a public statement, including: “I’m out in my driveway watching helicopters. They’re putting shadows in my yard. Seems to me I should have some information on who they’re looking for, what direction they’re going and be up to speed on this. I have multiple neighbors in the vicinity, women that live alone or home alone and no one was informed of anything.”
LaVanway mentioned that the Sheriff was promoting the Smart911.com program last March for people to sign up, and many understood that this program would notify people in a situation just like this.
Sheriff Bean explained that there are several phases to implementing the new emergency communication system, but the Ipulse system hasn’t been set up yet. The Ipulse is the part of the system which would have notified residents, if the police chose to do so. “We could get the license tomorrow or months from now,” he stated.
Sheriff’s Office Defensive
During his public statement, Pratt defensively gave several conflicting and varying excuses why residents were not informed.
At first, he stated that the situation was under control and there was no active shooter. However, he also said that the police had no cell phone service in the area of the chase.
Last but not least, Pratt did not think it was necessary for the public to know about this situation. “We shouldn’t have to tell people to lock their doors, because frankly we tell them that all the time. They should always lock their doors,” he proclaimed.
Commissioner Karen Bargy noted that while she locks her doors, “This happened at 4:00 in the afternoon. Children were out playing. I didn’t know of the danger, and normally wouldn’t have the house and kids under lock and key at that time.”
Both Pratt and Detective Jim Janisse criticized Cole, LaVanway and other Commissioners and residents who questioned them. Janisse also stated that even if the county had the ipulse communication system in place, they would not have released information to the public. This decision to not release information was based on the facts of the situation, and protecting the integrity of the investigation.
None of the men explained why a simple statement warning the public would jeopardize anything.
Sheriff Does Not Like Facebook
Pratt and Sheriff Dan Bean expressed their belief that the 200+ residents who called 911 that evening were irresponsible, and that Facebook is not a good tool for them to make a statement because it is full of misinformation.
Jill Stephenson. a resident of Mancelona, was grateful for neighbors posting on Facebook.
“It was only through many various Facebook postings that I realized this was for real. I checked with the Antrim County Sheriff’s Facebook and found nothing to warn the citizens,” she said. “We deserved to be warned. They did not have the situation under control and the general public deserved to be warned.”
She noted that many people who had police scanners were posting, so their information was the most accurate.
Bargy asked Sheriff Dan Bean if the department would review their policies and procedures, and work towards improvements when communicating with the public.
“I just got back from vacation and yes at some point, we will have that discussion,” he replied.
Kalkaska County Sheriff Earns “A” for Communication
Kalkaska County Sheriff took an entirely different approach once the suspect crossed county lines, and immediately posted a public notice.
“We have been notified that Antrim County had a felonious assault this evening and the suspect is on the loose and has been reported, but not confirmed, to have been seen in Kalkaska County. Due to the unknown location of the suspect, we have called in extra officers to assist in the search. The suspect may be on a snowmobile, please lock your doors and report any suspicious activity in your area. As we confirm further information we will make that available. We are working as quickly as possible to ensure the safety of our citizens.”
Another hour later, the Kalkaska Sheriff Office posted “The suspect is believed to be in a residence in the Spencer area. If you are in the area please stay in your homes unless contacted by Law Enforcement Officers. If you are not in the area please avoid going to that area.”
Shortly after this, Kalkaska County posted “The suspect is in custody.”
Finally, residents of both Antrim and Kalkaska Counties could feel safe.
Comments
Mancelona Murder: Antrim County Undersheriff Defends Lack of Communication — No Comments