By Jim Bloch
Port Huron police investigated several crimes in March of an “unusual or serious nature,” reported James Freed, city manager of Port Huron, in his manager’s report delivered to the city council at its regular meeting April 27. In addition, the fire department fought several notable blazes.
House fire
Fire companies battled a fire in a one-story dwelling on the 500 block of Taylor Street on March 9. The fire spread to an attached garage and a car in the driveway. Firefighters extinguished the blaze in 20 minutes. “One firefighter sustained second-degree burns due to a combination of high heat conditions and low ceiling heights inside the structure,” Freed wrote.
Fire at Port Huron High
On March 11, fire companies responded to Port Huron High School after receiving reports of a fire in an air handling mechanical room. “Companies were advised that a heating/cooling contractor experienced failure in an acetylene torch supply line, which had ignited and was unable to be isolated,” Freed said. “Fire crews were able to secure the acetylene gas supply and remove the torch assembly from the building. Smoke removal was performed using powered ventilation equipment and the building returned to normal operations.”
11-year-old shot
Police responded to a home on the 1900 block of Seventh Street on March 13 after receiving a report of disorderly conduct and a person possibly needing medical assistance. They found an 11-year-old girl with a gunshot wound inside the residence. She had been shot in the stomach. Detectives found the weapon inside the house but said the juvenile witnesses and the victim were uncooperative. “Investigators believe the group of juveniles were playing with the gun when the victim was shot unintentionally,” wrote Freed. The PHFD’s Engine 1 assisted Tri-hospital EMS with “patient packaging and care” on the way to an area hospital. “The patient was ultimately transported to Henry For St. John for further treatment,” Freed said.
Breaking and entering I
Police responded to a March 14 report of breaking and entering at a home in the 1200 block of Court Street and found evidence that the led them to a house on 12th street. They found three boys who they identified as the perpetrators. “They confessed to their crime and were released to their parents pending charges,” Freed said.
Breaking and entering II
Police received a report March 15 of several juveniles breaking into the old Chicory building on 12th Avenue. Upon arriving, officers found three juveniles walking away with the tools they used to break into the building. “They gave incriminating statements and were lodged at the juvenile center,” Freed said. “The investigation revealed that the juveniles damaged property that was being stored in the building.”
Fleeing suspect
The PHPD assisted the Michigan State Police in the 9700 block of Brandon Road after a person fled the scene of a traffic stop on March 21. The police department’s Drone Unit and K9 officer responded to the area. “The drone operator was able to locate the individual and guide officers to his location,” Freed said. “He was arrested by the Michigan State Police.”
Restaurant fire
Fire crews answered a report of a fire in a restaurant storeroom in the 2500 block of Pine Grove Avenue on March 21. When they arrived, the restaurant’s fire suppression system had partially extinguished the blaze, aided by an employee using a portable dry chemical fire extinguisher. Only the storeroom was damaged. “Fire crews performed minor overhaul and smoke removal and replaced the sprinkler head, allowing the business to reopen in short fashion,” Freed said.
Suicide
Police received a report on March 31 of a male subject unresponsive in his car in a parking lot at McLaren Hospital. “The investigation revealed that he took his own life with a firearm inside of his vehicle,” Freed said.
Jim Bloch is a freelance writer based in St. Clair, Michigan. Contact him at bloch.jim@gmail.com.
