St. Joseph County Prosecutor Deborah Davis is issuing a warning to those not following requests to stay out of storm-damaged areas in the county.
“It is a crime to interfere with Emergency Management Operations–the unnecessary traffic coming into Three Rivers is slowing progress of the work crews,” she posted to Facebook Saturday, March 7 as crews continued search operations and cleanup following Friday’s severe weather.
The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Office and Three Rivers Police Department both issued statements asking motorists to avoid the area.
“BE ADVISED LAW ENFORCEMENT MAY ISSUE CITATIONS OR ARREST INDIVIDUALS FOR INTERFERING WITH EMERGENCY OPERATIONS,” Davis posted. “This is not meant to discourage citizens from providing assistance or obtaining needed supplies from community resources.”
She suggested volunteers, those donating or those in need go to the United Way Command Center, 143 W. Michigan Ave.
Volunteers are asked to call 269-467-9099 ahead to register.
In a separate post, Davis advised, “In addition, looting and theft WILL BE prosecuted. DO NOT approach those engaging in criminal behavior, but immediately report it to 911.”
This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: St Joseph County prosecutor warns ‘it is a crime’ to interfere with storm cleanup
Reporting by Liz Shepard, Sturgis Journal / Sturgis Journal
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