By Mary Drier
(Contact / Staff Bio)
September 16, 2009 - 09:12 a.m. EST
FAIRGROVE — A 28-year-old Caro man who attended the Michigan Bean Festival’s entertainment tent came “looking for revenge,” but wasn’t able to find it.
“He was stopped by security before anything could happen,” said Fairgrove Village Police Chief Jim Sherrod. “He said he came for revenge because he had been beat up (previously).”
The man came armed with mace and a knife.
Mace is an aerosol spray that is sometimes used as a self-defense device. When sprayed, it temporarily disables a person by causing temporary blindness, burning and difficulty breathing, which can last up to 90 minutes.
“He said he was ‘going to use the mace and then stab them,’” said Sherrod. “Fortunately, he didn’t get to do either.”
According to the police chief, the knife was within legal limits, four inches or under. And most mace is legal to carry.
“The knife, even though it was within the legal length, and the mace were taken away from the subject because of their intended use,” said Sherrod.
The case is being reviewed for possible charges.
Other than that, the festival was successful and basically uneventful. The department made no drunk arrests, but the Tuscola County Sheriff’s Department and the Michigan State Police made five drunk arrests over the weekend in the area, noted Sherrod.
Fairgrove Police Sgt. Tim Burnside credited a strong police presence for a quiet weekend. He said he heard juveniles were apprehensive of partying because there were “too many cops.”
Besides police officers, the newly created Fairgrove Police Reserves, which are citizens who patrol with certified police officers, also worked the festival.
In other police matters, Sherrod reported that the department patrolled 720 miles during August, had 93 calls, handled 18 complaints and issued five citations.
Mary Drier is a staff writer for the Tuscola County Advertiser. She can be reached at drier@tcadvertiser.com.
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September 16, 2009
10:11 a.m.(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
September 16, 2009
10:31 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Just curious because of rumors I've heard. Are the fairgrove police reserves trained and certified police officers? I've been informed they carry firearms. Is this true? Are they expected to assist in apprehending fleeing suspects? Sounds like a recipe for disaster. If so I hope the village has a substantial liability insurance policy.
September 16, 2009
11:22 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Windsoft1962 - How is this NOT a story?
They arrested a guy who was threatening to stab people at a festival that attracts a lot of people (me included). I am glad the cops got him first!!! Good job! It's sad to think what could have happened.
September 16, 2009
5:40 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Leapfrogger:
The story doesn't say that :) If it did I certainly would agree with you.
September 16, 2009
6:03 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Hmmmm
Someone showing up with mace and a knife saying he was there for revenge and was going to mace and stab someone
that sure has heck isn't a joke. If you think it is then your the one who should be ashamed!
I commend the paper for carrying the story and not sweeping in under the rug like some have been.
And, actually for once it said something nice about the police department.
September 16, 2009
7:42 p.m.Report inappropriate content
If you really want something to complain about...go to this web site which I just left. www.miketomich.com and see the left side and the pictures of children's finger deformities from video gaming.
The corruption with the video gaming industry and politicians is apparently costing our children their health.
This is disgusting!!!!!!!!!!!
September 17, 2009
7:08 a.m.Report inappropriate content
windsoft1962
what the heck does kids fingers from video games got to do with a man showing up in Fairgrove to hurt someone?
So what was soooooo wrong with the news article?
It was information from their police department,
And, yes it wasn't a nice incident at your festival but people still need to know about it.
September 17, 2009
8:54 a.m.Report inappropriate content
No that's just stupid. Video games? Give me a break. ANYWAYS... I am still glad this man was stopped and we did not have a tragedy at a local festival. Now THAT would have been disgusting.
Stay on topic or go to the soundoff and spout off about random stuff on there.