Thursday, July 22, 2010: Missing Runaway William "Billy" Dunn William "Billy" Dunn Hamburg Townshi Police released a News Release regarding the disappearance of William "Billy" Dunn today. View pdf of the release here. Hamburg Township Police are asking for the community's help in locating a missing teenager who ran from his mother’s van at the Manly Bennett Memorial Park on Merrill Road on Tuesday. William “Billy” Dunn, 13, is small for his age at 4 foot 4 inches tall and approximately 79 pounds. He has blond hair and blue eyes and was last seen wearing a light yellow T-shirt and tan shorts that have a faded pattern. “We’ve put flyers in all the businesses and have had officers searching the area in and around the park, but it can be hard to find someone who doesn’t want to be found,” said Police Chief Steve Luciano. “We’re just hoping someone who knows where he is will call so we can make sure he is OK. His family is very concerned about him.” Anyone who has seen Billy or may know of his whereabouts should contact Hamburg police at 810-231-9391 or call 911. Wednesday, July 21, 2010: Missing Child - William "Billy" Dunn Hamburg Township Police are searching for a missing child, William "Billy" Dunn, who is 13 years old (small for age), 4'4" tall, 79 lbs, blond hair/blue eyes and last seen wearing light yellow t-shirt and tan shorts that have a very faded pattern. Dunn went missing on Tuesday, July 20, 2010 about 4:00 p.m. when he ran away from the Merrill Road/Bennett Field area in Hamburg Township. If you know of his whereabouts, please contact Hamburg Township Police at 810-231-9391 or call 9-1-1. View printable flyer. Wednesday, July 7, 2010: Drowning Victim's Body Recovered   Video Clip courtesy of Livingston County Daily Press & Argus (starts at 22 seconds)   Tuesday, July 6, 2010: Search Continutes For Possible Drowning Victim Local authorities coninue to search for a man who is missing and presumed drowned in Hamburg Township's Zukey Lake. Police have identified the man as 58-year-old Dennis Regal of Hamburg Township. Regal went missing around 5:30 p.m. Monday after helping his son and a friend, both 15 years old, who were swimming and had drifted away from the family's pontoon boat in about 35 feet of water, according to Hamburg Township Police Chief Stev e Luciano. The boys lost sight of him just after he got them both back to the boat, Luciano said. The deep, murky water and the fact that there were no witnesses are making the search difficult, Luciano said. Divers fromLivingston County Sheriff's Department, Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department and Hartland, Green Oak and Howell fire departments are assisting in the search. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the accident, Luciano said. There were life jackets on the boat, although none were being used, he said. "It's hard to resist the natural instinct to jump in and try to help someone, especially if it's one of your kids," Luciano said. "Sadly, it's not uncommon for the rescurer to become the victim. Boaters and swimmers should always try to remember the best way to h elp someone in trouble in the water is to thrown the person something that floats, or reach them with a rope or pole." For additional information, call Hamburg Township Police Chief Steve Luciano at 810-231-9391. Monday, July 5, 2010: Missing Swimmer/Possible Drawing Search   Video Clip of Interview with courtesy of Livingston County Daily Press & Argus (video clip interview begins at the 22 second mark) Images from Livingston County Daily Press & Argus - Dive Search The 4th of July Holiday weekend ended in tragedy fora Whitmore Lake family. A Whjitmore Lake man is missing and presumed drowned in Zukey Lake Monday afternoon. The Hamburg Township Police Department received the4 emergency dispatch of a possible drowning at 5:25 p.m. The 58 year old man was boating with his 16 year old son and another 16 year old friend of the family. The three were swimming across Zukey Lake in Huron River Chain. The boat drifted away from the boys and one of them called for help. The Whitmore Lake man swam to the boys and helped them back to the boat. The boys lost sight of him just after he got them both back to the boat. The missing swimmer was last seen in an area of Zukey Lake that is 35 feet deep. Divers from Livingston County Sheriff's Department, Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department, Hartland Fire,. Green Oak Fire and Howell Fire assisted in the search. The search for the missing swimmer will resume on Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. For additional information or questions contact Hamburg Township Police Chief Steve Luciano at 810-231-9391.   Saturday, June 20, 2010: Police Stepping Up Boating Safety Enforcement Police are stepping up boating safety enforcement in Hamburg Township and Livingston County this summer. Read the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus article by clicking here. View a video clip of Hamburg Township Officer Tony Wallace discussing boating safety enforcement (starts after the 22 second advertisement): . Tuesday, June 8, 2010: Seniors Be Careful – Parents Beware: The Hamburg Township Police Department and Pinckney Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking are joining together to remind parents to be extra diligent in monitoring high school graduation activities over the next several weeks. High school graduations took place this past week in most area schools, and graduates are busy celebrating by making their way to open house parties and late night outings. While this is a time for celebration, we want teens to be safe and healthy. “It’s an exciting time of year, but it can also be a very dangerous time of year for high school graduates,” said Police Chief Steve Luciano. “I’ve seen the summer season start with joy and quickly end in tragedy too many times, and I just want parents to take an extra few minutes to talk to their kids about driving and celebrating safely.” The Pinckney Coalition has held several meetings in recent weeks to inform parents and teens about the dangers of alcohol and illicit drugs. Students from Pinckney High School have taken an active roll in getting students to sign a contract that declares their willingness to stay alcohol and drug free.  It is illegal for anyone under age 21 to drink alcohol. Providing alcohol to minors is also illegal. As the signs in the yards around this community say, “Parents Who Host, Lose the Most. Don’t be a party to teenage drinking. It’s against the law.” Tips for Parents: Know where kids are going and who they are with. Set and enforce curfew times. Take the time to talk with other parents of the teens who are with yours. Restrict the # of passengers who ride with your child or who your child rides with. Enforce safe driving rules for seat belts, speed and distracted driving. Stress zero tolerance for alcohol and drugs. For additional information or questions contact Hamburg Township Police Chief Steve Luciano 810-231-9391. Thursday, June 3, 2010: Officers & Citizen Recognized for Armed Robbery Arrest The Hamburg Township Police Department has presented awards to a citizen and two police officers in recognition for their efforts in the arrest and prosecution of an armed robbery suspect.  Louie Schraffenberger was working at the Marathon Gas Station, 7620 E. M-36 on Jan. 9 this year when a masked man came in to rob him.  Schraffenberger fought with the robber by throwing canned goods at him and ultimately pulling the mask from his face in an attempt to keep him from the cash drawer.  The robber ran from the station as Schraffenberger called 911 to report the robbery. Officer Megan Paul met with Schraffenberger and drew a composite sketch of the robber.  The sketch was posted in the media and quickly brought tips about the identity of the man. Officer Clint Pace then tracked the tips and identified the robber as John Tynan.   Tynan and his brother, Thomas, were subsequently arrested and charged with not only this armed robbery but with another in Oakland County. Schraffenberger was awarded the Hamburg Township Police Department’s Civilian Citation, which is given to citizens whose actions result in the prevention or solution of a serious crime, the apprehension of a dangerous criminal or other meritorious action, such assistance to an officer with disregard for his or her personal safety. Officers Paul and Pace were awarded the department’s Certificate of Merit, which goes to officers for outstanding performance of duty under unusual or difficult conditions. “This is a great example of officers and citizens working together to apprehend a dangerous criminal; said Chief Steve Luciano.  “I think John Tynan got more than he bargained for when he tried to rob Louie that night.” For additional information or questions contact Hamburg Township Police Chief Steve Luciano 810-231-9391. NOTE: PERSONAL INTERVIEWS WITH LOUIE SCHRAFFENBERGER CAN BE ARRANGED BY CALLING HAMBURG TOWNSHIP POLICE CHIEF STEVE LUCIANO AT 810-231-9391.   Wednesday, May 19, 2010: Hamburg Township Police participated in a community forum against drug and heroin overdose held at the Shalom Lutheran Church on M-36 in Pinckney. 05/20/2010 - Livingston County Daily Press & Argus: Residents - Let's Fight Pinckney-Area Heroin Use 05/20/2010 - Detroit News: Overdose Death Pulls Community Together Monday, March 22, 2010: Police Officer Brian Medbury retired after 28 years of service to Hamburg Township. Here is the video clip from the March 16, 2010 Township Board Meeting with the award ceremony. Todd's Services owner found dead BY LISA ROOSE-CHURCH • DAILY PRESS & ARGUS • April 13, 2010 Hamburg Township police are investigating the death of a prominent businessman found dead in his vehicle in the parking lot of his business. Chief Steve Luciano said family members reported Todd LaButte, 46, missing about 8:30 a.m. His body was found about 8:50 a.m. in his black sport utility vehicle in the parking lot of his business, Todd’s Services on M-36. Police recovered a handgun at the scene. “The case is under investigation and all possibilities are being considered, including the possibility his injuries were self-inflicted,” Luciano said. Todd’s Services was founded 29 years ago by the two LaButte brothers. The pair started with a lawn-mowing business and grew it into a successful landscaping company with 250 employees during its peak season.   Tuesday, April 13, 2010: WHMI 93.5 FM: Hamburg Police Investigating Two Deaths As Seperate Cases 4/13/10 - Hamburg Township Police say they recovered two dead bodies this morning that began as separate missing person investigations. Police Chief Steve Luciano tells WHMI that the first body was of a 46 year old Hamburg Township resident found in his truck parked in the back parking lot at Todd’s Services landscaping business along M-36. A gun was recovered and Luciano says they’re investigating all possibilities, including that the death was self-inflicted. He says the second body was of a 79 year old township resident who was found deceased in the utility room of an apartment complex located along East M-36 near Chilson Road. Luciano says a gun was also recovered at that scene and the investigation is also examining the possibility of a suicide. However, he stresses that the two cases are absolutely unrelated. The 79 year old was said to have been dealing with an undisclosed medical condition. Both bodies will be autopsied tomorrow at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing to determine an exact cause of death. (JK) Wednesday, February 24, 2010: The Hamburg Township Board of Trustees ratified a four year contract today with both the command and patrol units of the Hamburg Township police department.Click here to view a .pdf file summary of the contract details. Hamburg Township Police News Media Alert October 12, 2009

Press Conference The Hamburg Township Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Detroit Field Division, and Livingston and Washtenaw Narcotics Enforcement Team (LAWNET) will host a joint press conference at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13 in the meeting room at the Hamburg Township Hall, 10405 Merrill Road, Hamburg, Mich. Law enforcement officials will announce the arrest of approximately 50 persons involved in the trafficking of heroin and other dangerous drugs in Livingston County and southeastern Michigan. Additional details to be released at press conference.  Discs containing digital photos of those arrested will also be available. For additional information or questions, contact Hamburg Township Police Chief Steve Luciano at 810-231-9391 or sluciano@hamburg.mi.us. Incident # I7-09-0122   Narcotics Investigation

9/10/2009 - Heroin Use Becoming Epidemic

Heroin use is on the rise and Hamburg Township Police are concerned abou the rapidly increasing incidents of possession and ue of the drug.

"For years, we rarely saw heroin in the township," said Hamburg Township Police Sgt. Pat Debottis. "It's not just an inner city problem anymore, we're finding it in our neighborhoods and I'm very concerned."

Unlike the 1960s and '70s when it was typically only taken by hardcore users, heroin today is cheaper and more readily available and quickly becoming the drug of choice among those who use illegal substances.

Hamburg Township began seeing an increase in heroin investigation sin 2007 with six reported overdoses. The increase continued in 2008, resulting in two heroin overdose deaths. The trend appears to be continuing in 2009 with two more heroin overdose deaths this year to date. Similar patterns emerged through the area, so law enforcement leaders gained the support of the Drug Enforcement Administration Detroit Field Division which opened a "Priority Target Case" in Livingston County. The cooperative investigation includes investigators from the Livingston and Washtenaw Narcotics Enforcement Team.

Of particular concern is the increasing use of the drug by teenagers and youn adults. "It's impossible to know the purity of street heroin, which dramatically increases the danger of overdose," said Debottis. Heroin is highly addictive and expensive. Habitual users are known to lie, cheat and steal from anyone necessary to get money they need to buy the drug, Debottis said.

Heroin is an off-white powder that can be somewhat brownish in color. It's typically found wrapped in folded paper packages called bindles.

Parents, teachers and others should be aware of the signs of heroin use, such as a change in appearance and personality, association with a different group of friends and the constant need for money. That need for money causes addicts to commit crimes against family, friends or other easy targets.

"You can't believe the shock and despair on a parent's face when you tell them their kid has overdosed on heroin. The return of heroin is real, it's dangerous, and everyone needs to be aware of it," said Police Chief Steve Luciano.

For additional information or questions regarding this news release, contact Hamburg Township Police Chief Steve Luciano. 810-231-9391.

09/07/2009 - Armed Robbery

On Sunday, September 6th 2009 at 11:20 p.m. Hamburg township officers were sent to the Marathon Gas Station at 7620 East M-36. The store Clerk was doing inventory behind the counter when a "petite" female came in and pointed a black semiautomatic handgun at him and demanded money. The clerk began filling a bag that was provided to him by the robber with cash from the register. As the bag was being filled the robber began to help herself to cartons of cigarettes.

After taking the money and merchandise the robber fled on foot. She is described as 5'0" to 5'2" tall, and weighing 100 to 110 pounds. She was wearing black pants and hooded sweatshirt with a tan baseball cap. She had a black mask covering the lower portion of her face and was wearing white latex gloves on her hands. A Livingston County K-9 officer tracked the suspect to Hall Road near Forest Creek Court where the scent was lost.

The Hamburg Township Police are offering a $500.00 cash reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for this crime. Anyone having information about the crime can contact Officer Alysha Garbacik at 810-231-1000 Ext. 459.

Media questions or inquiries regarding this news release may contact Hamburg Township Police Sergeant Gary Harpe at 810-231-9391.

07/30/2009 - Possible Drowning

On Thursday, July 30t, 2009 at 4:24 p.m. Hamburg Township Police Department and Hamburg Township Fire Department were called to Baseview Drive, located on Base Line Lake, to investigate a possible drowning.  A 54 year old man and his 24 year old son were fishing from a canoe.  The canoe overturned and began to capsize.  The father was able to hold onto the canoe for safety.  His 24 year old son went under the water and did not surface.

The Livingston County Dive Team was activiated and had rescue divers in the water immediately upon their arrival. The victim, Andrew Gravitt from Westland, was located in a depthy of approximately fifteen feet of water.  He was removed the water at 5:10 p.m. at which time recessitation efforts began.  The victim was transported to the University of Michigan Hospital by Survival Flight and is listed in critical condition at this time.

For additional information or questions contact the Hamburg Township Fire Chief Doug Berry at (734) 878-9513 or Hamburg Township Police Sergeant Gary Harpe at (810) 231-9391.

Hamburg Police Officer Recognized For 25 Years Of Service

News Release: May 7, 2009 - Drunk Driver Is Lucky To Be Alive

A 22 year old man from Dexter, Michgian narrowly escaped death Wednesday evening when he crashed the 1996 Mercury Sable he was driving into a tree. The Hamburg Township Police Department was sent to Strawberry Lake Road near East Lake Drive at 8:10 p.m. when neighbors called 911. Officers followed skid marks over 300 feet off the road and found the car wrapped around a tree with the driver staggering next to his car. Witnesses told police they saw the car traveling at over 100 mph before the crash.

The 22 year old driver was transported to St. Joseph Ann Arbor Hospital by Livingston County Ambulance where he is in stable condition. "When I saw the damage I could not believe anyone survived," said Officer Tony Wallace. "This is one of the most violent crashes I've ever seen, and I wonder if th is kid realizes how lucky he is to be alive."

"We always see an increase in alcohol related accidents involving young people at this time of year," said Hamburg Township Chief Steve Luciano. "Parents need to talk to their kids about alcohol and make sure they don't drink and drive or ride with anyone who does."

Preliminary indications are that the driver's blood alcohol level was over three times the legal limit. Hamburg Township Police are pursuing charges for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, reckless driving, and open alcohol in a motor vehicle.

MEDIA NOTE: Digital images of the crash will be made available by e-mail to media who make a request to Carolyn Sanchez by email - csanchez@hamburg.mi.us.

For additional information regarding this news release contact Chief Steve Luciano or Sgt. Gary Harpe @ 810-231-9391.

News Release: April 15, 2009 - Suspect Caught In Home Invasion:

Within the past few weeks Hamburg Township and other surrounding areas have had multiple day time Home Invasions. On April 8, 2009 shortly after noon Officer Brandon Bullock received a call of an attempted break in that had just occurred on Stsrawberry Lake Road in Hamburg Township.

Once arriving at the home Officer Bullock spoke with the homeowner. The homeowner told the officer that as he walked from the downstairs to the front of his home he saw a man at his front door with a crow bar in his hands trying to brak i n. Once the intruder saw the homeowner he fled. The homeowner saw the intruder flee in a light colored Ford car. the homeowner also said that there was a second white male involved that was in the car. As the homeowner and Officer Bullock were talking the homeowner said that the same man came to his home approximately a week ago. During that time the man knocked at the door. The homeowner answered the door. The man asked the homeowner if he was selling a bass guitar on Craig's List. The homeowner told the man he did not have anything for sale on Craig's List. The man at that point left.

On 4-13-2009 a suspect was developed with cooperation from Green Oak Police Department, Washtenaw County Sheriff and the Michigan State Police. After developing the information a photo lineup was developed. The victim of the Home Invasion then came into the Hamburg Township Police Department and identified the man from the photo line up. Michigan State Police and Washtenaw County Sheriff Departments were able to find the man and make an arrest on 4-13-2009. On 4-15-2009 charges were issued for Attempted Home Invasion, Possession of Burglary Tools and Habitual Fourth on the intruder.

At this time anyone with information on any other home invasions or the second suspect are asked to contact Officer Brad Neff at Hamburg Township Police Department at 810-231-1000 Ext. 308.

For additional information or questions contact Hamburg Township Sergeant James Sanderson @ 734-341-3302.

INCIDENT #2009-0576 - PRESS RELEASE - MARCH 1, 2009 - Possible Drowning

On Sunday, March 1, 2009 at 4:53 a.m., Hamburg Township police officers were called to the Hillpoint Drive boat launch, located on Ore Lake, to investigate a possible drowning. A witness reported they saw an all-terrain vehicle break through the ice.

When officers arrived they discovered the vehicle tire tracks leading to a large hole in the ice. Under their weight the ice began to crack and give way. All responding emergency personnel were forced to retreat to the shoreline for their safety.

The Livingston County Dive Team and Hamburg Township Fire Department were activated and had resuce divers in the water immediately upon their arrival. The viction, Joseph Kratz (32 year old male), was located in a depth of approixmately six to eight feet of water. He was removed from the water at 6:02 a.m., at which time ressucitation efforts began. The victim was transported to the University of Michgian Hospital and is listed in critical condition at this time.

For additional information or questions contact Hamburg Township Fire Chief Doug Berry at (734) 878-9513 or Hamburg Township Police Sergeant Gary Harpe at 810-231-9391.

INCIDENT #07-003348 Attempted Abduction: PRESS RELEASE: SEPTEMBER 5, 2007: GIRLS LIED ABOUT ATTEMPTED ABDUCTION

The two teenage girls who reported an attempted abduction have now admitted they fabricated the story. The 15 year old girls called Hamburg Township Police on Saturday evening saying that a man tried to pull them into a car when they were walking along Merrill Road. The girls gae a detailed description of a suspect and described his features to a police composite artist.

"We realized what the girls told us was unusual because it was not typical of what we know about abductions," said Police Chief Steve Luciano. "This isn't the kind of thing you like to question, especially when it involves a potential risk to the safety of kids in our community."

Hamburg Township Officers located surveillance video that recorded traffic in the area the girls reported seeing the suspect's car. The girls were re-interviewed after officers discovered the video failed to substantiate what they had told the officers. They lied about the abduction because they had been somewhere they weren't supposed to be.

The Hamburg Township Police Department will forward the case to the Livingston County Prosecutor's Office for their review of charges for filing a false police report which is a felony crime. For questions concerning this news release, contact Chief Steve Luciano at 810-231-9391.

INCIDENT #07-1221: PRESS RELEASE: APRIL 15, 2007: MISSING PERSON - POSSIBLE DROWNING INCIDENT

On Sunday, April 15, 2007 at 4:41 p.m., the Hamburg Police Officers were dispatched to the North side of Ore Lake to investigate a reported missing person & possible drowning of a 29 yr old white male.

The man is described as 5'11" 180 lbs wearing blue jeans and a dark blue sweat shirt. The man was also wearing a hat with a light affixed to the brim. The man was last seen on Saturday April 14th at 8:30 p.m. paddling an orange kayak on the North side of Ore Lake.

The man is an out of State contract worker working in the Lansing area. He was not familiar with Ore Lake or the lake's nuances. The man told his friends that he was a skilled kayak operator; however, he was not wearing a PFD (personal floatation device) at the time of his disappearance. (It is recommended that everyone wear a PFD at all times on the water regardless of personal experience or confidence.)

In cooperation with the Hamburg Township Police Officers, the Livingston County Sheriff Dept., Hamburg Township Fire Department, Howell Area Fire Department, Green Oak Township Fire Department, Metro Parks Police and the University of Michigan Hospital Survival Flight helicopter are all assisting in the search.

For additional information or questions, contact Hamburg Township Police Chief Steve Luciano or Lieutenant Brian DeNoyer at 810-231-9391.