Dylan Goetz, MLive Journalist Profile

Articles

Trial begins for Lapeer County man who admitted to dispatchers he shot girlfriend

3 days ago | mlive.com | Dylan Goetz

LAPEER COUNTY, MI – The Lapeer County man who admitted to dispatchers that he shot his girlfriend will see his day in court today. The trial for Michael Schocke, 41, begins in Lapeer Circuit Court Judge Michael J. Nolan’s courtroom on Wednesday, June 4, according to court records. A jury will decide if he was criminally responsible for open murder and felony firearm charges in connection with the fatal shooting of Jennifer Pilotto on Aug. 9, 2024.
Flint mayor, police chief targeted with federal lawsuit after protest turned violent

3 days ago | mlive.com | Dylan Goetz

FLINT, MI – Four plaintiffs, including Flint council candidate Beverly Biggs-Leavy and activist Jedidiah Brown, have filed a federal lawsuit against several city officials after a peaceful protest on Sunday afternoon turned physical. Plaintiffs allege law enforcement and city officials engaged in unlawful arrests, excessive force, selective enforcement of laws and retaliation against political opponents, according to the lawsuit filed on Tuesday, June 3. The lawsuit can be viewed here.
‘Suspicious’ letter prompts evacuation at Flint Southwestern Academy

3 days ago | mlive.com | Dylan Goetz

FLINT, MI – Flint’s Southwestern Classical Academy evacuated today after school officials discovered a “suspicious letter” attached to a barrel near the high school campus. The entire building was evacuated to ensure the safety and well-bring of students and staff, according to a news release from the district. FCS is working with law enforcement as they investigate the origin and content in the suspicious letter, according to the release.
State police welfare check leads to 12 seized weapons in Genesee County

4 days ago | mlive.com | Dylan Goetz

GENESEE COUNTY, MI – A welfare check in Gaines Township led to 12 weapons being seized from the home of a man who recently pleaded guilty to domestic assault. Michigan State Police troopers were dispatched to the home on Saturday, May 31, after receiving a call that the suspect had threatened to kill several family members.
State police K-9 who ingested poison now recovering at home with handler

4 days ago | mlive.com | Dylan Goetz

FLINT, MI – Thor, the Michigan State Police K-9, is now recovering at home with his handler after ingesting suspected poison while working in Lapeer County. The police dog and his partner assisted Lapeer County sheriff’s deputies on May 30 with a breaking and entering call. While searching a barn, Thor was suspected of ingesting poison.
Flint man sentenced to at least 5 years for ‘ghost gun,’ assaulting police officer

4 days ago | mlive.com | Dylan Goetz

FLINT, MI – A Flint man who was convicted of multiple felonies after being found in illegal possession of a “ghost gun” now faces up to 20 years in prison. Willie Ray Cummings, Jr., 29, was found guilty on eight counts including carrying a concealed weapon, felon in possession of a firearm, and resisting and obstructing police, according to a news release from Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton.
Teen who allegedly shot, killed 14-year-old girl in Flint to stand trial

5 days ago | mlive.com | Dylan Goetz

FLINT, MI -- The 18-year-old Flint man accused of shooting and killing a 14-year-old girl in March was ordered to stand trial by a Genesee County judge. Jermaine Vinceontea Robinson faces first-degree murder and felony firearm charges in connection to the teen’s shooting death on March 11 in Flint. If convicted, Robinson faces life in prison. Robinson’s next court date has not yet been set, according to Genesee County court records.
New Buffalo Harbor maintenance dredging project to begin June 1

1 week ago | mlive.com | Dylan Goetz

NEW BUFFALO, MI – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are scheduled to begin a maintenance dredging operation in the New Buffalo Harbor, a federal navigation channel, on June 1. The dredging will remove about 15,000 cubic yards of shoaling in the harbor, according to a news release from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Kentwood school social worker charged with accosting children, computer crimes

1 week ago | mlive.com | Dylan Goetz

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A Kentwood Public Schools social worker who was accused of having inappropriate communication with children faces charges of accosting children for immoral purposes and using a computer to commit a crime. Dequindre Wiggins, 26, was arraigned on charges in the 63rd District Court on Friday, May 30. The Grand Rapids resident was arrested on May 22 in Lexington, Kentucky. He was extradited back to Michigan.
2 injured in Meridian Mall parking lot shooting, police say

1 week ago | mlive.com | Dylan Goetz

LANSING, MI – Police are investigating a shooting that left two people injured outside the Meridian Mall in the parking lot near Dick’s Sporting Goods. The Meridian Township Police Department responded to the shooting at approximately 1:25 p.m. on Friday, May 30. Two people suffered gunshot wounds, according to police. There is no threat to the public at this time and the mall remains open, according to a news release from the department.