By Jim Bloch
May was a busy month for law enforcement officers and firefighters in Port Huron, according to City Manager James Freed in his monthly administrative report to Mayor Anita Ashford and the city council.
The PHPD responded to 2,261 calls for service and two overdoses. The PHFD answered 241 calls for service, which included 19 fires, 141 medical emergencies, five rescues, and 20 hazardous conditions.
Freed highlighted “several unusual or serious incidents during the reporting period” in his June 22 report.
Suspicious Person, May 13.
“Officers assisted Customs and Border Protection officers with an armed 28-year-old male attempting to access their building off 10th Avenue.,” Freed said. “Officers determined the subject had a BB gun, took him into custody without incident, and noted he may have been experiencing a mental health incident.”
Bar shooting, May 22.
“Officers responded to Tailgators Bar for a shooting in the parking lot,” Freed said. “The investigation determined a male suspect shot at another male subject near the entrance and fled on foot. The Major Crimes Unit worked with road patrol through the weekend to identify, locate, and arrest the suspect without incident. The arrestee is a 34-year-old parolee who had recently transferred to Port Huron from Lansing.”
Police charged the man with assault with the intent to murder, carrying concealed weapon and felon in possession of a firearm.
One drunk driver, three crashes, May 24.
“Officers responded after a vehicle lost control, struck the front porch of a residence in the 900 block of Howard Street, struck two parked vehicles in the driveway of a residence in the 800 block of 10th Street, spun, and struck another residence,” said Freed. “The 24-year-old Port Huron driver showed signs of intoxication and was transported to the hospital for minor injuries before being lodged at the County Jail.”
Porch fire I, May 3.
“Companies responded to the 1400 block of Riverview Street for a rear porch fire at an apartment building,” said Freed. “The fire, involving a propane grill, was quickly extinguished with minimal exterior damage.”
Pinned man, May 7.
“Companies responded to the 1800 block of Riverside Drive for a man trapped under a passenger pickup after an engine floor crane failed,” said Freed. “Crews used powered portable hydraulic equipment to lift the vehicle frame, extricate the (man), stabilize him, and transport him to McLaren Port Huron for evaluation.”
Porch fire II. May 14.
“Companies responded to the 1000 block of Pearl Street for a reported dwelling fire,” Freed said. “First arriving companies found smoke showing from the rear of a two-story dwelling and quickly extinguished an exterior porch fire with some extension into wood siding. Interior damage was limited to light smoke conditions.”
Dog rescued from fire, May 15.
“Companies responded to the 1900 block of Oak Street and found a working fire in a two-story single-family dwelling,” said Freed. “Multiple handlines were stretched to extinguish fire in the rear of the first story. One dog was rescued and provided supplemental oxygen. Fire damage was contained to the first floor, with smoke damage throughout.”
Garage fire, May 17.
“Companies responded to the 1400 block of Sedgewick Street for reports of fire in a structure,” Freed said. “Crews found a working fire in an exterior garage with multiple exposures and flammable liquids involved,” said Freed. “Handlines were stretched from multiple apparatuses to control the fire. The garage sustained heavy damage, and the cause was determined to be improper handling of flammable vapors in a fuel tank.”
Motel fire, May 26.
“Engine Company 1 responded to the 3600 block of Lapeer Avenue in Port Huron Township for a motel fire under the automatic aid agreement,” Freed said. “Fire was found in attic spaces of a one-story strip motel, requiring roof operations and extensive ceiling overhaul to reach hidden fire.”
Jim Bloch is a freelance writer based in St. Clair, Michigan. Contact him at bloch.jim@gmail.com.
