Dowagiac man arrested for marijuana growing operation

SILVER CREEK TOWNSHIP — A Dowagiac man is behind bars after detectives with the Cass County Drug Enforcement Team discovered marijuana growing on his property last week, according to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office.

Albert Hurrle Jr., 47, was charged with delivery/manufacturing marijuana, felony firearms, possession of marijuana and maintaining a drug house during his arraignment Friday in Cass County Court. He is being held on $20,000 cash or surety bond.

According to police, Hurrle was arrested after drug team members executed a search warrant at his residence on the 54000 block of Indian Lake Road in Silver Creek Township. During the search, officers discovered Hurrle in possession of marijuana. Outside, detectives located marijuana plants growing in the man’s garden.

On top of drugs, police discovered several deer antlers, animal pelts and an untagged turkey inside a freezer. Drug team officers reported the suspicious wildlife items to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Hurrle is scheduled to appear again in court at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, June 22.

Dowagiac resident injured in two car crash

POKAGON TOWNSHIP — A Dowagiac resident was injured following a two car crash on M-51 in Pokagon Township Sunday evening, according to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies with the office responded to a reported crash on M-51 near Well Street around 6:33 p.m.

Police said the crash was caused after a southbound vehicle driven by 43-year-old Stacy Morgan, of Dowagiac, smashed into the back of a vehicle operated by 54-year-old Mark Simpson, also of Dowagiac, who was attempting to turn right onto Wells Street. Morgan did not see Simpson slowing down to turn before colliding with the back of his vehicle.

Morgan received minor injuries in the collision. Crews with SMCAS Ambulance service treated Simpson at the scene, but did not transport him to the hospital.

Simpson and his passenger, 51-year-old Karen Simpson, also of Dowagiac, were not injured.

Safety Belts were used and alcohol was not a factor in the crash, police said. Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident.