Sunday, February 20, 2005

Out-of-towner charged with using cell phone as weapon

A 22-year-old Michigan man has been charged with assault with a weapon after a domestic dispute early this morning at Algoma's Water Tower Inn.

Police say a woman was struck in the face by a thrown cell phone around 3:30 a.m.

She didn't require medical treatment.

The man is expected to be released on his own recognizance and a cash surety for a further court appearance on March 28.

Police release identity of snowmobiler missing on river

The Chippewa County Sheriff reports that they have temporarily suspended the search for a missing snowmobiler who plunged into the icy, cold turbulent waters in the St. Mary's River shortly after 9 p.m. Tuesday.

The decision to discontinue the search was made after a joint meeting between Michigan State Police divers, the U.S. Coast Guard and Sault Ste. Marie Police shortly after 3 p.m. Friday afternoon.

A swift current, dangerous ice conditions, fatigue and cold weather contributed to the decision. We feel that we have exhausted all reasonable efforts to continue the search and we want to express our sincere condolences to his family and friends.

The Sheriff's Office and family members agreed to release the name of the missing Sault Ste. Marie resident. Lawrence Oliver Johnson, 43, is presumed to have died in the tragic accident.
Deputies will continue a water and shoreline search after the winter ice breakup.

Divers were able to extract the snowmobile submerged under water prior to suspending the search. The sheriff's office wants to thank all agencies who participated in rescue and recovery attempts
.
Robert J. Savoie, undersheriff, Chippewa Co. Sheriff's Office.