Showing posts with label Deputy Kevin Haan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Deputy Kevin Haan. Show all posts

Monday, October 15, 2012

10152012 - Former Deputy Kevin Haan - Allegan SD

October 15, 2012: Former Sheriff Deputy Kevin Haan [Allegan County SD] fled the scene of an accident and led police on a high-speed chase that ended with Haan driving his truck into a building.

Haan was charged with: third-degree fleeing and eluding police, a five-year felony; third-offense driving while intoxicated, a five-year felony; resisting and obstructing police, a two-year felony; and leaving the scene of an accident to fixtures (a road sign), a misdemeanor.

  Haan's past record:
March 04, 2008: Deputy Kevin Haan [Allegan County SD]: Arrested for domestic violence / making threatening phone calls to his wife.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/03/deputy-haan-allegan-county-sd.html



March 13, 2008: Deputy Kevin Haan [Allegan County SD]: Arrested for violating bond conditions.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/03/deputy-kevin-haan-allegan-co-sd.html


March 28, 2008: Deputy Kevin Haan [Allegan County SD]: arrested for drunk driving.
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/03/deputy-kevin-haan-allegan-co-sd_28.html

 












Hearing rescheduled for ex-Allegan deputy charged in chase, crash into former Muskegon Township school
Published: Thursday, November 01, 2012, 7:59 PM
Updated: Thursday, November 01, 2012, 8:03 PM
By John S. Hausman
jhausman@mlive.com
The Muskegon Chronicle
http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2012/11/ex-allegan.html




MUSKEGON, MI – The probable cause hearing has been rescheduled for Kevn Jay Haan, a former Allegan County sheriff’s deputy charged in connection with a drunken flight from police that ended with a crash into a former school building in Muskegon Township.

Haan’s preliminary examination in Muskegon County’s 60th District Court was reset Thursday for 1:30 p.m. Nov. 20. It was originally scheduled for Oct. 30 but was adjourned by mutual agreement of the prosecution and defense. Haan is free on a $15,000 signature bond.

Haan, 47, of Wyoming, is charged with third-degree fleeing and eluding police, a five-year felony; third-offense driving while intoxicated, a five-year felony; resisting and obstructing police, a two-year felony; and leaving the scene of an accident to fixtures (a road sign), a misdemeanor.

The Oct. 15 chase across Muskegon County ended when Haan’s burgundy Dodge Ram pickup truck crashed into the former Dangl School building at the intersection of Apple Avenue and Dangl Road.

Police found a half-empty bottle of vodka in the truck, according to D.J. Hilson, senior assistant Muskegon County prosecutor.

Hilson said Haan has prior misdemeanor convictions of malicious use of a telephone, domestic violence and two cases of driving while intoxicated. Those convictions all date from 2008 and 2009, Hilson said.

Haan was an Allegan County Sheriff's Department road patrol deputy from 1991 to April 2008, according to that department. His suspension from the Allegan County Sheriff's Office following his arrests in the earlier cases made headlines.

                       











Former deputy charged in DUI police chase
7:05 PM, Oct 16, 2012
WZZM NEWS
http://www.wzzm13.com/news/article/228754/14/Former-deputy-charged-in-DUI-police-chase
























MUSKEGON, Mich. (WZZM) -- A former Allegan County Sheriff's deputy is facing a new drunk driving charge after leading police on a high-speed chase through Muskegon County.


Kevin Haan, 47, appeared in Muskegon County District Court Tuesday to face felony charges of operating under the influence (third offense), fleeing and eluding police, and resisting officers. Haan is also facing a misdemeanor charge of running over road signs.

Prosecutors say other motorists spotted Haan driving erratically on M-37 in Kent City and called 911. Michigan State Police soon spotted Haan's truck and began the 20-mile chase, reaching speeds of 75-80 miles per hour on M-46 between Casnovia and Muskegon townships.

The pursuit ended when Haan's truck ran into an old school at the corner of Apple Avenue (M-46) and Dangl Road in Muskegon Township.

"When the officers inspected the vehicle they found a half-consumed bottle of vodka," says D.J. Hilson, Muskegon County senior assistant prosecutor.

Haan's first drunk driving arrest was in 2004, when he was still working for the Allegan County Sheriff's Department. His conviction later that year ended his 18-year career as a deputy.

In 2005, Haan was convicted in another drunk driving case, this time in Kent County.

Reported by Jon Mills in Muskegon

                       











Former deputy charged in DUI police chase
Submitted by WZZM13, News Staff
Tuesday, October 16th, 2012, 6:05pm
http://muskegon.wzzm13.com/news/news/74275-former-deputy-charged-dui-police-chase






















MUSKEGON, Mich. (WZZM) -- A former Allegan County Sheriff's deputy is facing a new drunk driving charge after leading police on a high-speed chase through Muskegon County.

Kevin Haan, 47, appeared in Muskegon County District Court Tuesday to face felony charges of operating under the influence (third offense), fleeing and eluding police, and resisting officers. Haan is also facing a misdemeanor charge of running over road signs.

Prosecutors say other motorists spotted Haan driving erratically on M-37 in Kent City and called 911. Michigan State Police soon spotted Haan's truck and began the 20-mile chase, reaching speeds of 75-80 miles per hour on M-46 between Casnovia and Muskegon townships.

The pursuit ended when Haan's truck ran into an old school at the corner of Apple Avenue (M-46) and Dangl Road in Muskegon Township.

"When the officers inspected the vehicle they found a half-consumed bottle of vodka," says D.J. Hilson, Muskegon County senior assistant prosecutor.

Haan's first drunk driving arrest was in 2004, when he was still working for the Allegan County Sheriff's Department. His conviction later that year ended his 18-year career as a deputy.

In 2005, Haan was convicted in another drunk driving case, this time in Kent County.



















Ex-Allegan sheriff's deputy faces judge after chase, crash into Muskegon Township building
Published: Tuesday, October 16, 2012, 6:02 PM
Updated: Tuesday, October 16, 2012, 6:03 PM
By John S. Hausman
jhausman@mlive.com
The Muskegon Chronicle
http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2012/10/ex-allegan_sheriffs_deputy_fac.html








MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI – His bruised face tense, his manner subdued and respectful, former Allegan County sheriff’s deputy Kevn Jay Haan faced a Muskegon County judge Tuesday for charges stemming from Monday’s police chase and crash into a former school building.

Haan, 47, of Wyoming was arraigned before 60th District Judge Michael J. Nolan on charges of third-degree fleeing and eluding police, a five-year felony; third-offense driving while intoxicated, a five-year felony; resisting and obstructing police, a two-year felony; and leaving the scene of an accident to fixtures (a road sign), a misdemeanor.

Nolan reduced Haan’s interim bond of $15,000 from cash or surety to personal recognizance or signature, on condition that Haan has an electronic alcohol-sensing ankle monitor attached. Haan is forbidden to consume any alcohol as a condition of bond.

Nolan scheduled a preliminary examination on the felony charges and a pretrial conference on the misdemeanor for Oct. 30.

Monday’s chase across Muskegon County ended when Haan’s burgundy Dodge Ram pickup truck crashed into the former Dangl School building at the intersection of Apple Avenue and Dangl Road.

Police found a half-empty bottle of vodka in the truck, according to D.J. Hilson, senior assistant Muskegon County prosecutor.

Hilson said Haan has prior misdemeanor convictions of malicious use of a telephone, domestic violence and two cases of driving while intoxicated. Those convictions all date from 2008 and 2009, Hilson said.

Records also show Haan has a pending misdemeanor arrest warrant from Kent County for an alleged hit-and-run accident, Hilson said.

Haan was an Allegan County Sheriff's Department road patrol deputy from 1991 to April 2008, according to Lt. Frank Baker of that department. His suspension from the Allegan County Sheriff's Office following his arrests in the earlier cases made headlines.

Hilson said the Monday incident began in northern Kent County. A civilian allegedly noticed Haan driving a burgundy Dodge Ram erratically on Long Lake Road, Hilson said.

The civilian began following him with a number of stops and starts, including one at an elementary school in Kent City, west toward Muskegon County, Hilson said. The civilian tried unsuccessfully to speak with Haan at a four-way stop sign in Kent City, the prosecutor said.

The civilian followed the truck to the traffic circle at M-46 and M-37 in Casnovia Township on the east side of Muskegon County, where Haan allegedly drove straight through and knocked down a traffic sign. By this time the civilian was on the phone with Muskegon County Central Dispatch, Hilson said.

A Michigan State Police trooper caught up with the truck on M-46 (Apple Avenue) in Moorland Township and began pursuing him with lights and sirens on Apple Avenue and other roads in eastern Muskegon County. Speeds reached 75 to 80 mph on Apple.

The Muskegon County Sheriff’s Office and Muskegon Township Police Department joined the chase as the cars traveled west, Hilson said.

Once in Muskegon Township, after a series of turns and a failed attempt to stop the truck with stop sticks and by ramming its rear at Marquette Avenue and Dangl Road, the truck went out of control after striking a civilian vehicle while turning right from Dangl onto Apple. The truck then jumped the curb and crashed into the former school, a building now privately owned and used for storage.

A state trooper blocked in the truck with his cruiser.

Haan was not seriously injured and no other injuries were reported. He was arrested at the scene.

                     










Ex-deputy faces 3rd OWI in chase, crash
Kevin Haan left Allegan Co. Sheriff's Dept in 2008
Updated: Tuesday, 16 Oct 2012, 11:58 PM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 16 Oct 2012, 5:27 PM EDT
WOOD TV
http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/muskegon_county/Ex-deputy-faces-3rd-OWI-in-chase-crash


MUSKEGON, Mich. (WOOD) - A former sheriff's deputy faces multiple charges after allegedly leading police on a chase and crashing into an old school building while drunk.

Kevin Jay Haan crashed his vehicle into a former Orchard View School building near Apple Avenue and Dangl Road Monday afternoon.

Haan, 47, now faces charges of third-degree fleeing and eluding, operating while intoxicated (third offense) and resisting and obstructing, according to the Muskegon County Prosecutor's Office.

Authorities say a half-empty bottle of vodka was found in the crashed truck. The resisting police charge was because of his actions after the crash.

A woman whose vehicle Haan allegedly hit during the chase told 24 Hour News 8 Tuesday evening that she's "disappointed" a former law enforcement officer would behave recklessly and try to run from police.

His previous drunk driving convictions were in 2008 and 2010, according to the Prosecutor's Office.

In 2008, Haan resigned from the Allegan County Sheriff's Department after 18 years on the force. He had been arrested three times in March of that year for threatening his wife over the phone, violating bond, and drunk driving.

He pleaded guilty in May 2008 to misdemeanor malicious use of a telecommunications device and operating while impaired, according to state records.

He also pleaded guilty to misdemeanor domestic violence after a May 2008 incident.

Haan was arrested again in October 2008 in Kent County for operating while intoxicated, to which he also pleaded guilty.

                     











Ex-Allegan sheriff's deputy was allegedly drunk during chase, crash into Muskegon Township building
Published: Tuesday, October 16, 2012, 3:39 PM
Updated: Tuesday, October 16, 2012, 4:03 PM
By John S. Hausman
jhausman@mlive.com
The Muskegon Chronicle
http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2012/10/wyoming_man_charged_in_chase_c.html

         
         

MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI – An arrest warrant has been issued charging former Allegan County sheriff's deputy Kevin Jay Haan with multiple felonies stemming from a Muskegon County police chase Monday that ended when Haan crashed his pickup truck into a former school.

The warrant authorized Tuesday afternoon by the Muskegon County Prosecutor’s Office charges Haan, 47, of Wyoming, with third-degree fleeing and eluding police, third-offense driving while intoxicated and resisting and obstructing police -- all felonies -- plus failure to stop at an accident involving fixtures (a road sign), a misdemeanor.

Muskegon County 60th District Court Magistrate Michael Van Epps signed the warrant Tuesday afternoon and set interim bond at $15,000. Arraignment was expected later Tuesday afternoon.

Haan remained in the Muskegon County Jail pending arraignment Tuesday afternoon.

Police found a half-empty bottle of vodka in the truck, according to D.J. Hilson, senior assistant Muskegon County prosecutor.

Hilson said Haan has prior misdemeanor convictions of malicious use of a telephone, domestic violence and two cases of driving while intoxicated. Those convictions all date from 2008 and 2009, Hilson said.

Records also show Haan has a pending misdemeanor arrest warrant from Kent County for an alleged hit-and-run accident, Hilson said.

Haan was an Allegan County Sheriff's Department road patrol deputy from 1991 to April 2008, according to Lt. Frank Baker of that department.

His suspension from the Allegan County Sheriff's Office following his arrests in the earlier cases made headlines.

Hilson said the Monday incident began in northern Kent County. A civilian allegedly noticed Haan driving a burgundy Dodge Ram erratically on Long Lake Road, Hilson said.

The civilian began following him with a number of stops and starts, including one at an elementary school in Kent City, west toward Muskegon County, Hilson said. The civilian tried unsuccessfully to speak with Haan at a four-way stop sign in Kent City, the prosecutor said.

The civilian followed the truck to the traffic circle at M-46 and M-37 in Casnovia Township on the east side of Muskegon County, where Haan allegedly drove straight through and knocked down a traffic sign. By this time the civilian was on the phone with Muskegon County Central Dispatch, Hilson said.

A Michigan State Police trooper caught up with the truck on M-46 (Apple Avenue) in Moorland Township and began pursuing him with lights and sirens on Apple Avenue and other roads in eastern Muskegon County. Speeds reached 75 to 80 mph on Apple.

The Muskegon County Sheriff’s Office and Muskegon Township Police Department joined the chase as the cars traveled west, Hilson said.

Once in Muskegon Township, after a series of turns and a failed attempt to stop the truck with stop sticks and by ramming its rear at Marquette Avenue and Dangl Road, the truck went out of control after striking a civilian vehicle while turning right from Dangl onto Apple. The truck then jumped the curb and crashed into the former Dangl School, a building now privately owned and used for storage.

A state trooper blocked in the truck with his cruiser.

Haan was not seriously injured and no other injuries were reported. He was arrested after initially resisting, Hilson said.

                       











Wyoming man in custody after chase ends with crash into building in Muskegon Township
Published: Monday, October 15, 2012, 2:59 PM
Updated: Tuesday, October 16, 2012, 10:33 AM
By John S. Hausman
jhausman@mlive.com
The Muskegon Chronicle
http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2012/10/wyoming_man_in_custody_after_c.html#incart_river_default

 


UPDATE: The driver's age in this story has been corrected based on updated information.


MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI – A 47-year-old Wyoming man was in custody Monday afternoon after crashing a pickup truck into the former Dangl Elementary School on Apple Avenue following a police chase through more than 10 miles of eastern Muskegon County.

The driver suffered minor injuries that did not require hospitalization and was arrested at the scene of the crash, according to Sgt. Andy Stoner of the Michigan State Police. No other injuries were reported.

The driver’s identity was not immediately released pending formal charges against him. He already had an arrest warrant outstanding, according to Muskegon Township Police Chief Ken Sanford.

The chase began after a citizen called 911 at 12:33 p.m. to report a hit-and-run accident. A truck had reportedly plowed straight through the traffic roundabout at M-46 and M-37 in Casnovia Township and struck a light pole, damaging its windshield, police said.

State troopers spotted the burgundy Dodge Ram truck in Moorland Township and tried to stop it. The truck fled west on Apple.

A state police trooper who initiated the pursuit reported the truck was traveling at about 75 mph hour down Apple at one point and the male driver, who was alone in the truck, was making obscene gestures out the driver’s side window, according to police radio traffic.

The fleeing vehicle turned north on Quarterline Road, then east on Marquette Avenue to Dangl Road. Police deployed stop sticks at the intersection of Marquette and Dangl but didn’t stop the truck.

Also at that intersection, MSP Trooper Dave Brunsting attempted to stop the truck by tapping its rear at a relatively low speed, Stoner said. Although both vehicles were damaged, that maneuver, too, failed to stop the truck, which fled south on Dangl to Apple.

While turning right onto Apple Avenue, the truck struck a civilian vehicle, lost control and smashed into the building, Stoner said. The driver reportedly tried to back up, but Brunsting parked his cruiser against the back of the truck and blocked it, Stoner said.

Dangl School was formerly part of the Orchard View Public Schools district but closed years ago. It’s now used to store property sold at flea markets, police said.

Assisting the state police were the Muskegon Township Police Department and the Muskegon County Sheriff’s Office.

                         











High-speed police chase ends with truck hitting vacant school in Muskegon Township
Published: Monday, October 15, 2012, 1:15 PM
Updated: Monday, October 15, 2012, 2:17 PM
By John S. Hausman
jhausman@mlive.com
The Muskegon Chronicle
http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2012/10/high-speed_police_chase_ends_w.html



MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI – A high-speed police chase ended with a pickup truck crashing into an empty elementary school in Muskegon Township on Monday.


The chase started on Apple Avenue in Moorland Township around noon somewhere near the Muskegon County wastewater facility and headed westbound into the heavily populated area of Muskegon.

A Michigan State Police trooper who initiated the pursuit reported the truck was traveling at about 75 mph hour down Apple at one point and the male driver, who was alone in the truck, was making obscene gestures out the driver’s side window, according to police radio traffic.

The fleeing vehicle, a burgundy Dodge Ram pickup truck, turned north on Quarterline Road, east on Marquette Avenue and south on Dangl Road, heading back toward Apple Avenue.

Police deployed stop sticks in several locations to puncture the truck’s tires. The truck slammed into the side of a vacant elementary school building at the intersection of Apple and Dangl with authorities from the Michigan State Police, Muskegon County Sheriff’s Office and Muskegon Township Police Department in pursuit.

The suspect reportedly suffered a minor face injury from an unrelated incident that may have precipitated the chase. At least one Michigan State Police cruiser sustained damage, but no other injuries were reported.


                         









Truck runs into building after police chase
Submitted by Amy Fox, WZZM Executive Producer
Monday, October 15th, 2012, 12:42pm
http://muskegon.wzzm13.com/news/news/74246-truck-runs-building-after-police-chase





MUSKEGON COUNTY, Michigan (WZZM) - Michigan State Police chased a pick up truck which ended up running into a building in Muskegon County midday Monday.


The chase started shortly before noon. Michigan State Police say a Dodge Ram was driving erratically. When a trooper tried to pull the pick up truck over, the driver sped off, leading police on a chase.

The chase ended in the area of Apple Avenue and Dangl. The Dodge Ram ended up going off the road and running into a building, a former Orchard View school building. However, the truck did not just run into the building, it ran up onto the building and was balancing on 2 wheels.

The vehicle also smashed a window of the building and knocked over a pole near the former school building.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

10022008 - Deputy Kevin Haan - Pleaded Oct DUI - Allegan County SD

Also See:

Deputy Kevin Haan charged with domestic violence [March 04, 2008] http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/03/deputy-haan-allegan-county-sd.html

Deputy Kevin Haan: Violation of PPO [March 13, 2008]

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/03/deputy-kevin-haan-allegan-co-sd.html
Deputy Kevin Haan charged with DUI [March 28, 2008] http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/03/deputy-kevin-haan-allegan-co-sd_28.html




Ex-deputy faces 3rd OWI in chase, crash
Kevin Haan left Allegan Co. Sheriff's Dept in 2008
Updated: Tuesday, 16 Oct 2012, 11:58 PM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 16 Oct 2012, 5:27 PM EDT
WOOD TV
http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/muskegon_county/Ex-deputy-faces-3rd-OWI-in-chase-crash


MUSKEGON, Mich. (WOOD) - A former sheriff's deputy faces multiple charges after allegedly leading police on a chase and crashing into an old school building while drunk.

Kevin Jay Haan crashed his vehicle into a former Orchard View School building near Apple Avenue and Dangl Road Monday afternoon.

Haan, 47, now faces charges of third-degree fleeing and eluding, operating while intoxicated (third offense) and resisting and obstructing, according to the Muskegon County Prosecutor's Office.

Authorities say a half-empty bottle of vodka was found in the crashed truck. The resisting police charge was because of his actions after the crash.

A woman whose vehicle Haan allegedly hit during the chase told 24 Hour News 8 Tuesday evening that she's "disappointed" a former law enforcement officer would behave recklessly and try to run from police.

His previous drunk driving convictions were in 2008 and 2010, according to the Prosecutor's Office.

In 2008, Haan resigned from the Allegan County Sheriff's Department after 18 years on the force. He had been arrested three times in March of that year for threatening his wife over the phone, violating bond, and drunk driving.

He pleaded guilty in May 2008 to misdemeanor malicious use of a telecommunications device and operating while impaired, according to state records.

He also pleaded guilty to misdemeanor domestic violence after a May 2008 incident.

Haan was arrested again in October 2008 in Kent County for operating while intoxicated, to which he also pleaded guilty.

                     





10022008 - Deputy Kevin Haan - Oct DUI - Allegan County SD

Also See:

Deputy Kevin Haan charged with domestic violence [March 04, 2008] http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/03/deputy-haan-allegan-county-sd.html

Deputy Kevin Haan: Violation of PPO [March 13, 2008]

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/03/deputy-kevin-haan-allegan-co-sd.html
Deputy Kevin Haan charged with DUI [March 28, 2008] http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/03/deputy-kevin-haan-allegan-co-sd_28.html




Ex-deputy faces 3rd OWI in chase, crash
Kevin Haan left Allegan Co. Sheriff's Dept in 2008
Updated: Tuesday, 16 Oct 2012, 11:58 PM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 16 Oct 2012, 5:27 PM EDT
WOOD TV
http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/muskegon_county/Ex-deputy-faces-3rd-OWI-in-chase-crash


MUSKEGON, Mich. (WOOD) - A former sheriff's deputy faces multiple charges after allegedly leading police on a chase and crashing into an old school building while drunk.

Kevin Jay Haan crashed his vehicle into a former Orchard View School building near Apple Avenue and Dangl Road Monday afternoon.

Haan, 47, now faces charges of third-degree fleeing and eluding, operating while intoxicated (third offense) and resisting and obstructing, according to the Muskegon County Prosecutor's Office.

Authorities say a half-empty bottle of vodka was found in the crashed truck. The resisting police charge was because of his actions after the crash.

A woman whose vehicle Haan allegedly hit during the chase told 24 Hour News 8 Tuesday evening that she's "disappointed" a former law enforcement officer would behave recklessly and try to run from police.

His previous drunk driving convictions were in 2008 and 2010, according to the Prosecutor's Office.

In 2008, Haan resigned from the Allegan County Sheriff's Department after 18 years on the force. He had been arrested three times in March of that year for threatening his wife over the phone, violating bond, and drunk driving.

He pleaded guilty in May 2008 to misdemeanor malicious use of a telecommunications device and operating while impaired, according to state records.

He also pleaded guilty to misdemeanor domestic violence after a May 2008 incident.

Haan was arrested again in October 2008 in Kent County for operating while intoxicated, to which he also pleaded guilty.

                     





Friday, May 16, 2008

05162008 - Deputy Kevin Haan - Pleaded to May OIDV - Allegan County SD

Also See:

Deputy Kevin Haan charged with domestic violence [March 04, 2008] http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/03/deputy-haan-allegan-county-sd.html

Deputy Kevin Haan: Violation of PPO [March 13, 2008]

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/03/deputy-kevin-haan-allegan-co-sd.html
Deputy Kevin Haan charged with DUI [March 28, 2008] http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/03/deputy-kevin-haan-allegan-co-sd_28.html




Ex-deputy faces 3rd OWI in chase, crash
Kevin Haan left Allegan Co. Sheriff's Dept in 2008
Updated: Tuesday, 16 Oct 2012, 11:58 PM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 16 Oct 2012, 5:27 PM EDT
WOOD TV
http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/muskegon_county/Ex-deputy-faces-3rd-OWI-in-chase-crash


MUSKEGON, Mich. (WOOD) - A former sheriff's deputy faces multiple charges after allegedly leading police on a chase and crashing into an old school building while drunk.

Kevin Jay Haan crashed his vehicle into a former Orchard View School building near Apple Avenue and Dangl Road Monday afternoon.

Haan, 47, now faces charges of third-degree fleeing and eluding, operating while intoxicated (third offense) and resisting and obstructing, according to the Muskegon County Prosecutor's Office.

Authorities say a half-empty bottle of vodka was found in the crashed truck. The resisting police charge was because of his actions after the crash.

A woman whose vehicle Haan allegedly hit during the chase told 24 Hour News 8 Tuesday evening that she's "disappointed" a former law enforcement officer would behave recklessly and try to run from police.

His previous drunk driving convictions were in 2008 and 2010, according to the Prosecutor's Office.

In 2008, Haan resigned from the Allegan County Sheriff's Department after 18 years on the force. He had been arrested three times in March of that year for threatening his wife over the phone, violating bond, and drunk driving.

He pleaded guilty in May 2008 to misdemeanor malicious use of a telecommunications device and operating while impaired, according to state records.

He also pleaded guilty to misdemeanor domestic violence after a May 2008 incident.

Haan was arrested again in October 2008 in Kent County for operating while intoxicated, to which he also pleaded guilty.

                     





Thursday, May 15, 2008

05152008 - Deputy Kevin Haan - May 2008 DV - Allegan County SD

Also See:

Deputy Kevin Haan charged with domestic violence [March 04, 2008] http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/03/deputy-haan-allegan-county-sd.html

Deputy Kevin Haan: Violation of PPO [March 13, 2008]

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/03/deputy-kevin-haan-allegan-co-sd.html
Deputy Kevin Haan charged with DUI [March 28, 2008] http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/03/deputy-kevin-haan-allegan-co-sd_28.html




Ex-deputy faces 3rd OWI in chase, crash
Kevin Haan left Allegan Co. Sheriff's Dept in 2008
Updated: Tuesday, 16 Oct 2012, 11:58 PM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 16 Oct 2012, 5:27 PM EDT
WOOD TV
http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/muskegon_county/Ex-deputy-faces-3rd-OWI-in-chase-crash


MUSKEGON, Mich. (WOOD) - A former sheriff's deputy faces multiple charges after allegedly leading police on a chase and crashing into an old school building while drunk.

Kevin Jay Haan crashed his vehicle into a former Orchard View School building near Apple Avenue and Dangl Road Monday afternoon.

Haan, 47, now faces charges of third-degree fleeing and eluding, operating while intoxicated (third offense) and resisting and obstructing, according to the Muskegon County Prosecutor's Office.

Authorities say a half-empty bottle of vodka was found in the crashed truck. The resisting police charge was because of his actions after the crash.

A woman whose vehicle Haan allegedly hit during the chase told 24 Hour News 8 Tuesday evening that she's "disappointed" a former law enforcement officer would behave recklessly and try to run from police.

His previous drunk driving convictions were in 2008 and 2010, according to the Prosecutor's Office.

In 2008, Haan resigned from the Allegan County Sheriff's Department after 18 years on the force. He had been arrested three times in March of that year for threatening his wife over the phone, violating bond, and drunk driving.

He pleaded guilty in May 2008 to misdemeanor malicious use of a telecommunications device and operating while impaired, according to state records.

He also pleaded guilty to misdemeanor domestic violence after a May 2008 incident.

Haan was arrested again in October 2008 in Kent County for operating while intoxicated, to which he also pleaded guilty.

                     





Thursday, May 1, 2008

05012008 - Deputy Kevin Haan - Pleaded - DV - Allegan County SD

Also See:

Deputy Kevin Haan charged with domestic violence [March 04, 2008] http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/03/deputy-haan-allegan-county-sd.html

Deputy Kevin Haan: Violation of PPO [March 13, 2008]

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/03/deputy-kevin-haan-allegan-co-sd.html
Deputy Kevin Haan charged with DUI [March 28, 2008] http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/03/deputy-kevin-haan-allegan-co-sd_28.html




Ex-deputy faces 3rd OWI in chase, crash
Kevin Haan left Allegan Co. Sheriff's Dept in 2008
Updated: Tuesday, 16 Oct 2012, 11:58 PM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 16 Oct 2012, 5:27 PM EDT
WOOD TV
http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/muskegon_county/Ex-deputy-faces-3rd-OWI-in-chase-crash


MUSKEGON, Mich. (WOOD) - A former sheriff's deputy faces multiple charges after allegedly leading police on a chase and crashing into an old school building while drunk.

Kevin Jay Haan crashed his vehicle into a former Orchard View School building near Apple Avenue and Dangl Road Monday afternoon.

Haan, 47, now faces charges of third-degree fleeing and eluding, operating while intoxicated (third offense) and resisting and obstructing, according to the Muskegon County Prosecutor's Office.

Authorities say a half-empty bottle of vodka was found in the crashed truck. The resisting police charge was because of his actions after the crash.

A woman whose vehicle Haan allegedly hit during the chase told 24 Hour News 8 Tuesday evening that she's "disappointed" a former law enforcement officer would behave recklessly and try to run from police.

His previous drunk driving convictions were in 2008 and 2010, according to the Prosecutor's Office.

In 2008, Haan resigned from the Allegan County Sheriff's Department after 18 years on the force. He had been arrested three times in March of that year for threatening his wife over the phone, violating bond, and drunk driving.

He pleaded guilty in May 2008 to misdemeanor malicious use of a telecommunications device and operating while impaired, according to state records.

He also pleaded guilty to misdemeanor domestic violence after a May 2008 incident.

Haan was arrested again in October 2008 in Kent County for operating while intoxicated, to which he also pleaded guilty.

                     





05012008 - Deputy Kevin Haan - Sentenced DUI - Allegan County SD

Also See:

Deputy Kevin Haan charged with domestic violence [March 04, 2008] http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/03/deputy-haan-allegan-county-sd.html

Deputy Kevin Haan: Violation of PPO [March 13, 2008]

http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/03/deputy-kevin-haan-allegan-co-sd.html
Deputy Kevin Haan charged with DUI [March 28, 2008] http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2008/03/deputy-kevin-haan-allegan-co-sd_28.html




Ex-deputy faces 3rd OWI in chase, crash
Kevin Haan left Allegan Co. Sheriff's Dept in 2008
Updated: Tuesday, 16 Oct 2012, 11:58 PM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 16 Oct 2012, 5:27 PM EDT
WOOD TV
http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/muskegon_county/Ex-deputy-faces-3rd-OWI-in-chase-crash


MUSKEGON, Mich. (WOOD) - A former sheriff's deputy faces multiple charges after allegedly leading police on a chase and crashing into an old school building while drunk.

Kevin Jay Haan crashed his vehicle into a former Orchard View School building near Apple Avenue and Dangl Road Monday afternoon.

Haan, 47, now faces charges of third-degree fleeing and eluding, operating while intoxicated (third offense) and resisting and obstructing, according to the Muskegon County Prosecutor's Office.

Authorities say a half-empty bottle of vodka was found in the crashed truck. The resisting police charge was because of his actions after the crash.

A woman whose vehicle Haan allegedly hit during the chase told 24 Hour News 8 Tuesday evening that she's "disappointed" a former law enforcement officer would behave recklessly and try to run from police.

His previous drunk driving convictions were in 2008 and 2010, according to the Prosecutor's Office.

In 2008, Haan resigned from the Allegan County Sheriff's Department after 18 years on the force. He had been arrested three times in March of that year for threatening his wife over the phone, violating bond, and drunk driving.

He pleaded guilty in May 2008 to misdemeanor malicious use of a telecommunications device and operating while impaired, according to state records.

He also pleaded guilty to misdemeanor domestic violence after a May 2008 incident.

Haan was arrested again in October 2008 in Kent County for operating while intoxicated, to which he also pleaded guilty.

                     





Friday, March 28, 2008

03282008 - Deputy Kevin Haan - Allegan County SD

DEPUTY KEVIN HAAN, ALLEGAN COUNTY SHERIFF DEPARTMENT

Arrested March 28, 2008 for drunk driving and violation of bond [from March 04, 2008 arrest for making threatening phone calls to his ex-wife].

Original charges: ????
Haan admitted self into rehab after third arrest
.


Former Officer Kevin Haan - Driving while intoxicated [Oct. 15, 2012]

Officer Kevin Haan - Driving while intoxicated [March 28, 2008]

Officer Kevin Haan - Arrested for violating domestic violence bond [March 13, 2008]

Officer Kevin Haan - Arrested for domestic violence [March 04, 2008]





From: Cloudwriter / Behind The Blue Wall:







Allegan County deputy resign after being arrested
Posted by Chronicle News Service
April 16, 2008 03:30AM
Muskegon Chronicle
http://blog.mlive.com/chronicle/2008/04/allegan_county_deputy_resign_a.html

ALLEGAN — An 18-year Allegan County Sheriff's deputy arrested three times in March — for allegedly making a phone threat, violating his bond and suspicion of drunken driving — has resigned his position.

Kevin Haan, 43, was on unpaid suspension when he resigned last week. He served Allegan County's northeastern townships and had a good work history until he was arrested March 4 for allegedly placing a threatening phone call to his wife.

Afterward, Haan allegedly violated his bond by contacting his wife and, late last month, was stopped for suspicion of drunken driving in Barry County. He is scheduled to be arraigned next month on the drunken driving charge.

"Apparently, he thought it was in his best interest to move on and deal with his personal issues," said Allegan County Undersheriff Jim Hull, who described Haan as a "very good employee" over the years.

"Everyone has a rough road sometime in their lives."









Troubled Allegan County Sheriff's deputy resigns
Posted by Gazette News Service
April 15, 2008 17:35PM
http://blog.mlive.com/kzgazette/2008/04/troubled_allegan_county_sherif.html

ALLEGAN -- An 18-year Allegan County Sheriff's deputy arrested three times in March -- for allegedly making a phone threat, violating his bond and suspicion of drunken driving -- has resigned his position.

Kevin Haan, 43, was on unpaid suspension when he resigned last week. He served Allegan County's northeastern townships and had a good work history until he was arrested March 4 for allegedly placing a threatening phone call to his wife.

Afterward, Haan allegedly violated his bond by contacting his wife and, late last month, was stopped for suspicion of drunken driving in Barry County. He is scheduled to be arraigned next month on the drunken driving charge.

"Apparently, he thought it was in his best interest to move on and deal with his personal issues," said Allegan County Undersheriff Jim Hull, who described Haan as a "very good employee" over the years.

"Everyone has a rough road sometime in their lives."












Haan resigns from ACSO
by Charlotte Weick
Monday April 14, 2008, 10:51 AM
http://www.mlive.com/penaseeglobe/index.ssf/2008/04/haan_resigns_from_acso.html


Deputy Kevin Haan, Allegan County Sheriff Department.


Kevin Haan, an 18-year veteran of the Allegan County Sheriff's Office, resigned from the department on April 14, citing "personal reasons" for his decision.

Two years ago, Haan received an award from the ACSO for outstanding service to Allegan County. Since that time, the deputy's life and career had taken a dramatic turn. In March, Haan was arrested three times, twice in Allegan County and once in Barry County.

The first arrest was March 4, after Haan allegedly made threatening phone calls to his wife. Haan, who was charged with malicious use of a telephone, posted bond at the Allegan County Jail.

According to his bond conditions, Haan was to refrain from the use of alcohol and from contacting his wife. He was arrested once more on March 13, for alleged bond violations.

On March 28, Haan was arrested in Barry County on drunk driving charges.

At the time of his resignation, Haan was on suspension without pay from the ACSO. Had he not resigned, Haan would have been subject to disciplinary action recommended by a board of review.

Haan had an exemplary career with the ACSO and was "A great asset to the department," said Undersherriff James Hull. "Kevin and I have always had a great relationship. He has really gone the extra mile. A lot of times, people go through some trying times in their lives. Regrettably, bad things happen to good people."












Sheriff's deputy faces charges
by Advance Newspapers
Monday April 07, 2008, 10:53 AM
http://www.mlive.com/penaseeglobe/index.ssf/2008/04/sheriffs_deputy_faces_charges.html

An Allegan County Sheriff's Office Deputy was arrested three times in March and is currently on unpaid administrative leave.

Kevin Haan, 43, was arrested March 4 for making alleged threatening telephone calls to his estranged wife, then arrested again on March 13 for violation of the terms of his bond. According to bond conditions, Haan was under a court order to refrain from contacting his wife or consuming alcohol.

The third arrest, for alleged drunken driving, took place in Barry County on March 28.

A board of inquiry will recommend disciplinary action, which could result in Haan's termination






Sheriff deputy arrested for drunk driving
Wednesday, April 2, 2008 3:56PM EDT
Allegan News
By Daniel Pepper
Staff Writer
http://www.allegannews.com/articles/2008/04/02/local_news/2.txt

An Allegan County sheriff’s deputy is facing criminal charges and possible termination after being charged with threatening his wife and driving drunk.

Deputy Kevin Haan was put on unpaid leave in early March after he was arrested and charged with malicious use of telephone for making a threatening phone call to his wife. He then was arrested again for violating his bond, and was arrested for a third time, Friday, March 28, in Barry County and accused of drunk driving, another bond violation.

Allegan County Undersheriff Jim Hull said the department had followed its procedures.“When somebody does something, we have trained internal affairs investigators and they have to completely investigate the incident and talk to everyone involved,” Hull said.

When possible, he said, outside investigators from distant sheriff departments are brought in by the Michigan Sheriff’s Association, but because of the timing in Haan’s case, local officers investigated.

“Because of the timing, we took our investigation and everything we did and shipped it to a Michigan Sheriff’s Association investigator,” Hull said. “They reviewed it and said we did everything properly.”

After the investigation, a board of inquiry, consisting of two lieutenants and a sergeant was convened, Hull said, and looked over the investigation, as well as reviewing department procedures and training.

The board of inquiry has met once and will meet again. They will recommend a punishment for Haan to Hull, who will make the final decision.

Hull said that, in general, punishment recommended by a board of inquiry can range from counseling to a term of suspension to termination.










Deputy suspended for three arrests
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Holland Sentinel
http://www.hollandsentinel.com/stories/040208/local_20080402016.shtml

An Allegan County road patrol deputy was placed on unpaid leave after being arrested for the third time last weekend.

Allegan County Undersheriff Jim Hull said that Kevin Haan, 43, was first arrested by Allegan County deputies on March 4 for allegedly making threatening phone calls to his wife. Prosecutors charged him with malicious use of a phone.

He was initially placed on administrative leave with pay, Hull said.

Haan was arrested a second time for violating the conditions of a bond when he continued to contact his wife, Hull said.

On Friday, Haan was arrested by Barry County deputies on suspicion of drunken driving.

Hull said a board of inquiry, which includes two lieutenants and a sergeant of the Allegan County Sheriff's Office, met last week to determine whether Haan will be allowed to return to his position.

"They wanted some additional information and they are waiting on it right now," Hull said. "They will reconvene."

For the time being, Haan has been placed on unpaid leave.

Hull said Haan has no arrests prior to the March 4 incident. He called Haan a "great policeman" who has helped a lot of people in his 18 years with the sheriff's office.

Hull declined comment on any personal problems Haan may have been experiencing prior to his arrests.

"In any workplace, everyone knows about everyone's problems," he said. "I've been doing this for 34 years. Not much surprises me anymore."











Court documents reveal arrested deputy's state of mind
Posted: April 1, 2008 10:36 PM CST
Updated: April 1, 2008 11:13 PM CST
By Marc Thompson
http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.aspS=8104181

ALLEGAN, Mich. (WOOD) -- Court documents reveal an Allegan County sheriff's deputy is potentially a danger to himself and others, after winding up on the wrong side of the law, not once, but three times.

It is a story 24 Hour News 8 broke Monday night.

As we dug deeper into court records, it appears Kevin Haan may have been on the verge of a breakdown.

Haan was first arrested March 4 for allegedly making threatening phone calls to his estranged wife. He was released on bond, but with conditions, including not consuming alcohol and having no further contact with his spouse.

But according to court documents obtained by 24 Hour News 8, Haan violated those conditions by calling his wife again on March 13. He also admitted to drinking a half pint of vodka and blowing a 0.18 alcohol level.

Haan told his wife he was considering checking himself into Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services in Grand Rapids.

His wife told police "he should not be on the streets." She feared Haan may "try and kill himself...have an accident...or hurt her."

Haan told deputies he "could not go on."

Officers in his own department arrested him for a second time for violating an unknown condition of the bond.

Then came arrest number three on March 24. This time Haan was apparently drunk behind the wheel of his car in Barry County, crossing the centerline on M-37, according to a police report. He was arrested for operating while intoxicated.

Haan told the arresting officer he "was having marital problems." He again admitted to drinking a half pint of vodka.

Haan said he was on a cocktail of prescription medication for depression and bipolar disorder.

Haan is on unpaid administrative leave while a review board looks into his future with the department.

Sheriff's officials told 24 Hour News 8 all employees have access to mental health assistance through Help Net, a firm in Kalamazoo. Officials would not confirm for us, however, whether Haan sought that assistance.












Allegan Co. Sheriff Deputy On Administrative Leave
April 1, 2008
WWMT- TV 8

ALLEGAN COUNTY (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - An Allegan County Sheriff's Deputy is off the job after ending up on the wrong side of the law.

Tuesday, the Allegan Co. Sheriff's Department placed Deputy Kevin Haan on administrative leave. The Board of Inquiry is looking over evidence against him.

The Allegan County Undersheriff tells Newschannel 3 that it was no secret in the department that Haan was having some personal problems. But, he says, no one knew things had apparently got this bad.

Haan has been charged with a misdemeanor for making threatening phone calls to his wife. He was also arrested two more times in March according to court records for violating terms of his bond; first, by contacting his wife, and second, for allegedly drinking and driving in Barry County last week.

According to investigators, Haan admitted he was having material problems, and was taking medication for depression and bi-polar disease.

Haan's wife told her husband's co-workers that she feared her husband would either kill himself, die in an accident because of his drinking, or hurt her.

Even now that the charges have been filed, none of it makes sense to Dorr Twp. Supervisor Donald Kaczanowski.

"It made me sick to my stomach in a way, as far as that goes. I couldn't believe that would happen to him," said Donald Kaczanowski.

Kaczanowski says Deputy Kevin Haan was the township's first community police officer.

"Our people, I think, fell in love with him and really him. He worked really hard in the community, he was a community-minded person so we were real happy," said Kaczanowski.

There was no answer at the couple's Allegan County home Tuesday afternoon, and Kaczanowski, who is also Haan's neighbor, says he never saw signs of a problem.

According to court records, Haan is now
And those close to the deputy hope that help hasn't come too late.

"It's just a waste to see such a nice person like that fall along the wayside," said Kaczanowski.

A review board is taking a look at Haan's future as a deputy with the Allegan Co. Sheriff's Department. They're expected to meet again next week.

Meanwhile, Haan is scheduled to back in court early next month to face a judge as his criminal case moves forward.












Allegan County deputy suspended after third arrest
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
By Nate Reens
The Grand Rapids Press
http://blog.mlive.com/grpress/2008/04/allegan_county_sheriffs_deputy.html


Deputy Kevin Haan [Allegan County Sheriff Department]


ALLEGAN COUNTY -- A veteran sheriff's deputy has been suspended without pay after he was arrested three times in the past month, twice by his co-workers, Allegan County Undersheriff Jim Hull said.

Kevin Haan, a 43-year-old road patrol officer serving the county's northeastern townships, has not returned to work since a March 4 arrest by fellow deputies for allegedly placing a threatening phone call to his wife.

Haan, who was charged by Allegan prosecutors with a misdemeanor for malicious use of a phone, was subsequently arrested on accusations he violated bond conditions by contacting his spouse again, Hull said.

The deputy originally was placed on a paid leave, but that status was changed by department leaders Thursday to unpaid suspension after an internal hearing.

The next day, Hull said, Haan was arrested on suspicion of drunken-driving in Barry County. Details of that incident were not available.

"He's really going through a tough time in his personal life right now," Hull said. "He's a fabulous deputy, but he's got some things he has to deal with right now and he can't do that while working."

Hull said Haan threatened his wife, but there is no allegation that any violence occurred. Haan could not be reached for comment.

The criminal accusations are a stunning departure from two years ago, when Sheriff Blaine Koops presented Haan with the department's ALLCOPS award for excellence in community policing.

"The professionalism, dedication and teamwork displayed by these officers are a credit to our department," Koops said in April 2006 while honoring Haan and several other employees.

As the undersheriff, Hull holds Haan's fate in his hands. Hull is responsible for reviewing recommendations for discipline that he expects a board of two force sergeants and a lieutenant to hand him next week.

Haan could be fired or face other corrective measures.

Had heart surgery.
Haan has worked for the county for about 18 years, earning praise from the heads of Dorr, Salem and Leighton townships in 2000. Leaders in those governments fought for Haan to be returned to their area after he was transferred to a neighboring community.

The deputy underwent an unspecified heart surgery, and the move was explained as a less-strenuous way to help him recuperate.

Hull said Haan's arrest by his fellow deputies was difficult, but necessary.

"They've got a job that they have to do, regardless of who it is," Hull said.






Sheriff's deputy arrested a third time
Posted: March 31, 2008
By Tony Tagliavia
http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8097623&nav=menu44_2

DORR TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) -- An Allegan County sheriff's deputy is off the beat after being arrested a third time.

Kevin Haan is on unpaid administrative leave as a board of inquiry decides his fate after allegations of drunken driving, making a threatening phone call to his wife, and violating the terms of his bond.

Haan patrolled Dorr Township and a couple of neighboring communities for years. He even won an award for community policing from Salem Township.

"That doesn't sound like him as far as what I knew him for," said Dorr Township Supervisor Don Kaczanowski. "He was very good at communicating the people."

The threatening phone calls occurred about a month ago. Haan was released on bond but violated an unknown condition of that bond and was arrested again.

Then Haan was arrested sometime last week in Barry County for drunken driving - a crime in and of itself, but also another violation of that original bond.

Undersheriff Jim Hull says these events have been tough on the department, describing Haan as a longtime employee, and a good one.

An internal affairs investigation was done and reviewed by an outside department.

Now a board of inquiry has met, waiting for more information, and is expected to meet again next week. The board will make a recommendation on what will happen to Haan as far as his job is concerned.

24 Hour News 8 was unable to contact Haan.









DeKleine murder inspires changes at police department
By ANDREA GOODELL
The Holland Sentinel
Posted Aug 16, 2008 @ 11:51 PM
http://www.hollandsentinel.com/news/x1835798832/DeKleine-murder-inspires-changes-at-police-department?zc_p=0





Holland Police Department Patrol Capt. Jack Dykstra says the departments has made changes in the way it handles the domestic issues of its officers.










Lori DeKleine. Murdered on January 10, 2008 by her ex-husband, Officer Kenneth DeKleine [Holland Police Department].









Kenneth DeKleine



Holland, MI — The murder of Lori DeKleine has spurred changes in the way the Holland Police Department handles domestic issues with its staff.

“Sometimes you have to ask your friend or co-worker the tough question: ‘Are you OK?’” Holland police Capt. Jack Dykstra said. “There were things we obviously didn’t know and had we known we could have done something different.”

In January 2007, Holland police officer Ken DeKleine broke into his wife, Lori’s, bedroom, leaving a trail of blood. It was the impetus for her to get a court-ordered restraining order on her husband. In his video-taped confession, Ken DeKleine says this is when he first considered killing his wife.

On Jan. 10, 2008, Ken DeKleine surprised Lori DeKleine in her kitchen and strangled her, trying to make it look like a suicide.

Ken DeKleine’s sentencing will be Aug. 25, but his first-degree and felony murder convictions carry mandatory life sentences without parole.

Changes
The department set up a new Yahoo! group for Holland police officers’ spouses to give them a way to communicate the good and the bad. There, they can talk about everything from their mundane plans for the day to the deadly serious.

“Someone may feel like ‘I don’t have a voice,’” Dykstra said. “That gives them another avenue to say, ‘I need help.’”

One of the group members acts as moderator for the site. If someone needs help, the moderator contacts the HPD peer support team, Dykstra said.

After Lori DeKleine’s murder, the Holland Police Department asked a psychologist to talk to officers about domestic violence in police families, how to recognize when they themselves or others need help. The lecture has become a regular part of training for officers and staff, said Dykstra, who is on a statewide domestic violence committee looking for the best methods being used in departments when dealing with domestic violence.

Some measures were in place before the January murder.

Any city employee can call a confidential phone number for two free counseling sessions. The city can also order counseling as part of a disciplinary action, Dykstra said.

Three Holland police officers — the peer support team — are trained to help their fellow police deal with the psychological impact of trauma. The West Michigan Critical Incident Stress Management Team helps with more difficult situations.

The department was in the middle of changing its policy on employee evaluations when Lori DeKleine was killed, Dykstra said. Employees are no longer evaluated once a year, but once every four months.

The more frequent evaluations make it easier to see changes in work habits, often an indicator of other problems.

DeKleine’s fellow officers testified at his trial that they saw no change in his performance in the months, weeks and days leading up to the murder of his wife, Lori. After he strangled her, Ken DeKleine went to the walk-in clinic to take care of a defensive wound. Then he got a shake and went to work.

All personnel files are closed. Dykstra said he could only speak to what Ken DeKleine had told him personally: That DeKleine had used the city employee assistance program, peer support and his own counselor.

Dykstra calls DeKleine a “wolf in sheep’s clothing.”

“I don’t think Ken DeKleine was always that wolf,” Dykstra said. “There were two sides to Ken DeKleine. ... There was a side to Ken we didn’t see.”


Reasons
The reasons for abuse in police families are varied. Police departments can cultivate a culture that suggests people need to be able handle mental stress by themselves, said Charisse Smith Mitchell, executive director of Center for Women in Transition in Holland Township.

Post traumatic stress disorder is as real in many police situations as it is in the military, she said. The nonprofit also works with area law enforcement on domestic violence cases.

Police officers often feel the pressure to be perfect, to be able to handle stress with “superhuman capacity,” Dykstra said.

“Everyone’s looking to you for the answers,” he said. “We’re supposed to be the problem solvers and not part of the problem.”

Over the past 30 years, a handful of deputies have had restraining orders taken out on them, some of those for domestic issues, said Allegan County Undersheriff Jim Hull.

Earlier this year, Allegan County Deputy Kevin Haan was arrested three times in quick succession — all on domestic violence-related charges — before resigning.

“If someone’s involved in domestic violence it’s a crime and we investigate it,” Hull said. “Anytime one of our people gets arrested that’s a major event for us.”

All new Allegan County Sheriff’s Office employees receive “Emotional Survival” by Dr. Gil Martin. They have to read the book and so do their spouses, Hull said. All county employees have access to free mental health services.

The county also has officers trained in peer counseling and internal review.

An officer convicted of any felony loses his or her certification to be a police officer in Michigan, officials said.
“I kept thinking there are certain things you will never know about people,” Dykstra said. “I’ve tried to figure it out with Ken and I just don’t know.”