Finalists, Process for Police Chief Search Released
The city is scheduled to select a new police chief next week.
Finalists, Process for Police Chief Search Released
The city is scheduled to select a new police chief next week.
Public Safety
East Lansing to Offer New Police Chief Next Week
East Lansing is scheduled to extend an offer to a new police chief next week, according to a city webpage dedicated to the police chief search. On the page, it says there were 15 applicants who responded to the job posting. A calendar of events states the city selected four or five finalists on April…
ICHD Provides Advice on Vaccinations, Exposure Guidelines After Ingham County Measles Case
The first Ingham County measles case since 1994 was announced earlier this week.
Police Oversight Commission Discusses Harassment, Trespassing; Interim Police Chief Jen Brown Extends an Olive Branch
Interim Police Chief Jen Brown has held meetings with several police oversight commissioners, working to improve the relationship between ELPD and the commission.
Divide Between ELPD, Police Oversight Commission on Display at March Meeting
Interim Police Chief Jen Brown asserted that some members of ELIPOC “hate cops” at the March 5 meeting.
ELPD Searching for Perpetrator of Shooting at Gas Station Near Lake Lansing, Abbot Intersection
Anyone with information about the shooting should reach out to ELPD Detective Austin Nelson at anelson@cityofeastlansing.com.
Technical Mishap Puts Scare Into Whitehills Elementary Staff, Prompts Fixes to ELPS Emergency Preparedness
The incident occurred during a professional development day, when students were not on site.
“First Amendment Audit” of ELPD Draws Widespread Attention Online
A “First Amendment Auditor” films police officers and other government employees to audit their reaction to minor disturbances.
ELPD Cracks “Grandparents Scam”
The victim of the scheme received a call from an individual posing as her distressed 16-year-old granddaughter.
Graffiti at MAC May Have Referenced UnitedHealthcare CEO Shooting, Spurs Enhanced Security
Meridian Township police are investigating the graffiti.
Interim Police Chief Chad Pride Steps Down, Jen Brown Fills Role
New ELPD Interim Chief Jen Brown has served as a deputy chief for the department since December 2023.
Advance Peace Will Work to Reduce Gun Violence in East Lansing
The Advance Peace program will work directly with East Lansing residents most at risk of being involved in gun violence.
ELPD Stopped Sending the City’s Police Oversight Commission Footage. It’s Unclear Why
A change in procedure has ELPD requesting commissioners watch footage at set times with officers or the city attorney present.
Two ‘Top Cops’ to Apply to be ELPD Chief
As East Lansing prepares a search for its new police chief, ELi has learned that there will be two internal candidates in Deputy Chief Jennifer Brown and Interim Chief Chad Pride.
Police Chief Kim Johnson Resigns
In April, the city announced Johnson was being investigated after an internal complaint was filed against him.
15 Years Later, the Lansing Bike Party Rides On
The Lansing Bike Party hopes to educate area bicyclists and motorists on how to safely share the road.
ELPD Chief Kim Johnson on Leave
Few details are known at this time, but City Manager Robert Belleman has confirmed the ELPD chief is on leave.
ELIPOC Frustrated with Council, ELPD Leadership
Members of the East Lansing Independent Police Oversight Commission shared concerns about proposed amendments to the ordinance that established the commission.
Aggravated Assault Alert Goes Out; No Injuries Reported
The incident occurred early Sunday morning during celebrations downtown, two days before Halloween. ELPD reminds community members to take safety precautions.
ELIPOC Discusses Goals for Next Six Months
The commission also discussed the “sustained” allegations against an ELPD officer for repeatedly calling a woman after getting her phone number while on duty.
ELIPOC Workshop Participants Focus on Police Use of Force
Public participants held a “dialogue” as they sought solutions and suggestions for a plan to guide the ELPD.
Q&A with ICHD: Where Do We Stand with COVID-19 and What Should We Be Doing?
“More tools in our toolkit” are helping to reduce the strain on the healthcare system and the health of people in the community.
Synagogue Leaders Left With Questions After Violent Threats
The Congregation Shaarey Zedek community can’t help but feel fear and uncertainty as antisemitic sentiments increase nationwide.
Complaints Spur Conversation, Recommended Policy Investigations at June ELIPOC Meeting
Two new commissioners and ELPD Lt. Adam Park made their first appearances at the police oversight commission meeting.
ELPD’s Social Worker Provides Care to Residents, Visitors and Officers Alike
Taylor Knickerbocker said she tries to interact with the community as much as she can and typically ends up in a police car to do outreach each day.
EL Fire Department Looks to Increase Training, Improve Communication in Budget Proposal
Funding from MSU and the state is up while personnel services are down in the projected fire department budget. Learn more from ELi.
East Lansing Police Department Welcomes Two New Officers
Officers Cuong Dang-Le and Brennan Surman have now joined the ranks of the East Lansing Police Department. Get the story and photos from ELi.
East Lansing Police Chief Kim Johnson Explains How and Why Staffing Is Going Up
The goals and objectives of the department for the coming year include working with a number of community groups and serving EL’s diverse population.
Tensions High at Police Oversight Commission Following the Release of MSP Investigation of Meijer Shooting
Public and commissioners voiced differing opinions on the ELIPOC’s relationship with the ELPD.
Oversight Commission Questions ELPD Use of Cameras, Treatment of People In Psychological Distress
Police use of force policy continues to be a topic of discussion; commission is looking to fill three openings.
City of East Lansing to Receive More than $340,000 From Latest Opioid Settlement
In a 4-0 vote, City Council approved a resolution to accept the funds.
ELPD Seeks Information in Fatal Car Crash (Updated)
The crash at the intersection of Lake Lansing Road and Coolidge Road left two dead and six hospitalized.
Citizen Petition Leads to Police Oversight Commission Hearing on Use of Force and Deescalation
People experiencing behavioral health or mental health crises make up a “significant portion” of police use of force incidents in East Lansing.
Local Clergy Reject Michigan GOP’s Holocaust Comparison on Gun Control
Reached for comment, Norm Shinkle, co-chair of the Ingham County Republican Party, told ELi what’s happening in Michigan is “unbelievable.”
Police Oversight Commission Hears Presentation on Biases in Emergency Calls
When should law enforcement decide not to respond to a 911 call?
EL Deputy Police Chief Resigns, Naming ‘Unethical Leadership’ in City Government (UPDATED)
Interim director of human resources also gives notice joining a wave of people leaving city jobs.
The ‘Kids’ Are Not All Right (Right Now)
Students, MSU librarian share their stories and their emotions with ELi.
East Lansing’s Paramedics Offered Help as They Recover, Too
Tomorrow, a special debriefing will help East Lansing’s first responders try together to make some sense of what happened Monday night.
Community Urged to Reach Out for Support During This Time of Tragedy
Greater Lansing is coming together to help students, staff and residents navigate the unfathomable.
We are grieving with you, and we are working on reporting.
A message from ELi’s publisher.
East Lansing Is a City In Grief; Counseling Offered at Hannah
Randy Talifarro’s first formal statement as East Lansing’s interim city manager was about the killings on MSU’s campus.
MSU Shooter Is Dead After Killing Three, Injuring At Least Five
Shelter in place order has been lifted; ELPS cancels classes for Tuesday.
East Lansing Shelter-in-Place Order Continues as Some Information Emerges
As of 11 p.m., the shelter-in-place order continued for all of East Lansing.
Shooting on MSU Campus; East Lansing Told to Shelter-in-Place
Local alerts exploded this evening with warnings of an active shooter on the Michigan State University campus.
MSU School Safety Expert Weighs in on Climate at East Lansing High School
ELi spoke with MSU Prof. Glenn Stutzky to get his take on ongoing concerns in East Lansing’s public schools.
Commissioners Question ELPD on Social Workers, Data Collection and Future Changes
Independent Police Oversight Commission continues to press specific issues.
Edsall Resigns as School Board President, and a New School Safety Plan Is In the Works
Kath Edsall resigned as president rather than facing a vote to remove her. A new safety plan was presented and public comment brought many strong comments. ELi brings you details from the four-hour meeting.
ELPS School Board Meets Tonight as High School Changes Disciplinary Approach
As struggles at East Lansing’s High School are making statewide news, the school’s administration has shifted approaches to student discipline starting today. The school board will meet tonight to discuss a “School Safety Plan.”
‘Listening Session’ on East Lansing School Violence Draws Hundreds, Elicits Many Ideas
Hundreds turn out for event at Hannah Community Center.
EL High School Closed Friday, as School Board Continues to Face Backlash
ELi brings you a wider look at what’s going on with the tensions in East Lansing Public Schools.
EL High School Sheltered in Place Again Today
The latest events occur as ELi continues to work to understand what happened at the school on Tuesday morning.
Police Pushed to Do More about Menacing Masked Man
Photos and videos of the individual have appeared across social media.
Mayor to Hold ‘School/Public Safety Listening Session’ on Friday (Updated)
The event is an opportunity for community members to have their say about safety concerns. Meanwhile, ELHS students are calling for the school board president to step down, and the school board has issued a statement.
East Lansing Police First Heard about High School Lockdown from a Parent Who Called 911
ELPD called the school to confirm it was, in fact, in lockdown.
East Lansing High School Was Put on Lockdown This Morning
The shelter in place lockdown that occurred around 10 a.m. ended late this morning.
East Lansing High School Teachers and Students Describe Fear and Exhaustion from Ongoing Violence
“There was a firearm within four feet of me,” a student who rushed to help a teacher told the East Lansing Public Schools Board of Ed. “I had no clue.”
After Library Director Calls Police on Wrongly-Accused Black Teen, Outrage Expressed to Board
A long-time East Lansing resident says her son was racially profiled by the library director, and she wants the director removed from her position. What comes next is not clear.
Study of ELPD Points to Policy Problems, Officers Feeling Unsupported by City Government
The 146-page report prepared by CNA was presented to City Council at the Dec. 6 meeting.
Two Big Votes Come to City Council This Tuesday
On Tuesday, Dec. 6, East Lansing’s City Council is poised to make decisions on whether East Lansing should be declared a Sanctuary City and whether the DDA’s loan on the Evergreen Properties should be refinanced again. ELi explains how you can weigh in.
MSU Interim President Speaks to Violence Downtown and Student Housing in EL
Interim President Teresa Woodruff strives for positive relationship between the university and city.
Police Oversight Commission Reflects on First Year of Action, Purpose Going Forward
Members of the public attend Nov. 2 meeting to provide input to commissioners and city representatives.
Council Defends EL Policing, Votes 4-1 to Spend HUD Funds on Safety Lighting
Although no public announcement was made about the city manager’s job assessment, Tuesday’s meeting had lots of tension on other issues.
ELPD Finds Officers Violated Policy; Oversight Commission Wants More Info
After an internal investigation, two officers are found in violation of wrongfully searching and detaining a 20-year-old Black man.
MacDonald Middle School Closed Today Due to Reported Threat (Updated)
“We do not have enough information to determine whether or not the threats are credible – so we’ll err on the safe side,” said Superintendent Dori Leyko.
Downtown Condo Owners Demand Solutions after Bullet Pierces Resident’s Window
Plus: ELi brings you a video taken just after the Sept. 11 downtown shooting showing some fleeing the scene while police rush in.
With Downtown Violence Increasing, What Is East Lansing Doing?
“We are going to do whatever we can to try to curb this issue,” said East Lansing Police Captain Chad Pride.
ELPD Investigating Shooting on M.A.C. Avenue
A total of 31 bullet casings from three different caliber guns recovered at the scene.
About A Month From Opening, Key Parts Of The Albert EL Fresco Are Still In Flux
The Albert EL Fresco is set to reopen later this spring, but the City is still looking for someone to provide outdoor seating, shade, and lighting infrastructure for the space. Andrew Graham reports.
ELHS Students Respond to Anti-Abortion Protestors Outside High School
A group of anti-abortion protesters gathered outside ELHS last week. We share ELHS student Marie Adele Grosso’s reporting on students’ responses to the group.
Tie Vote At Council Nixes Application To Establish A Fraternity on Ann Street
Council member Brookover’s arguments against approving a Special Use Permit to establish a fraternity at 532 Ann St. resulted in a 2-2 split vote, meaning the SUP was not approved, as many non-student residents expressed concern about the impact of student housing, especially, fraternities and sororities, on their communities.
![Ask ELi: A Fence on Campus, Basketball Hoops Unlocked, and Construction On Burcham Drive [UPDATED]](https://eastlansinginfo.news/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Schools-on-Burcham-768x429.png)
Ask ELi: A Fence on Campus, Basketball Hoops Unlocked, and Construction On Burcham Drive [UPDATED]
ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott brings a few pieces of news and a noteworthy PSA about construction on Burcham Drive.
How MSU Plans To Keep Tabs And Hold Accountable Those Exempted From Its Sophomores-On Rule
As MSU prepares for requiring sophomores to live on campus this upcoming academic year, University officials consider how they might exercise greater control over the behavior of registered student organizations and associated individual students. What might this process, including collaboration with City authorities, look like?
![Located: East Lansing Teen Missing [UPDATED]](https://eastlansinginfo.news/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Smith_Erica-Lane.jpeg)
Located: East Lansing Teen Missing [UPDATED]
Seventeen-year-old Aireona Alexis Smith has been located.
News | Public Safety | Schools
Concerning Social Media Post Results in Police Presence at ELHS Today
A letter sent to East Lansing High School families, staff, and students from the administration notified families that local law enforcement would be present at the school this morning, Feb. 25, following a concerning social media post made last evening.
News | Podcast | Public Safety
East Lansing Insider: A Closer Look At EL’s Responsible Hospitality Council
How do a group of downtown East Lansing liquor license holders work to promote safe, responsible fun? Andrew talks to two EL bar and restaurant owners about the RHC and what it does. Listen in!
No Street Parking Until Friday, ELPS Closed Again on Thursday: Winter Storm Updates
ELPS will remain closed on Thursday. ELPL will not open until 12 p.m. tomorrow.
![Unions Renew Push For ARPA Hazard Pay To City Employees Who Risked Covid Exposure [UPDATED]](https://eastlansinginfo.news/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/City-Hall-front-door-768x504.png)
Unions Renew Push For ARPA Hazard Pay To City Employees Who Risked Covid Exposure [UPDATED]
Despite City Council approving “retention bonuses” for employees, some unions are pushing for employees who endured more Covid risks to get bonuses for that work. Al Hargrave reports.
News | Public Safety | Schools
ELPS Bus Driver on Administrative Leave Following Incident Yesterday
A 911 call was placed yesterday concerning the behavior of a school bus driver. Here is what ELi found out from ELPS, ELPD, and Dean Transportation.
Ask ELi: What’s Going on With the Deer Cull?
What safety precautions are being taken for using rifles? What metrics are being used to determine if the cull was successful? We bring you answers to those questions and more.
News | Public Safety | Schools
Body Believed to Be That of Brendan Santo Recovered from Red Cedar River (Updated)
Santo has been missing since last October. A recent petition had called for damming the river to look for his body. Police have notified the family and expressed their own grief at the outcome.
UPDATED: ELPD Seeks Information Regarding Incident on West Road
UPDATED: ELPD identified the individual who died on West Road early Tuesday morning. The incident is still under investigation.
This Week’s “East Lansing News We Don’t Know Where to Put”
Food trucks and a continued suspension of meetings for the City of East Lansing’s boards and commissions: we bring you a quick rundown of some things we’re keeping an eye on.
Ask ELi: What Is the Deer Cull Costing Taxpayers?
What happens to the deer that are culled? Have any deer had wasting disease? We answer these questions and more in this Ask ELi Grab Bag!
East Lansing’s Second Deer Cull to Start on Jan. 3 Amid Continued Controversy
Some East Lansing residents want to see deer removed to stop property destruction and injury risk, while others detest the thought of having their government kill these animals. What do we know, politically and logistically, about this year’s planned cull?
Ask ELi: Mail Thieves and Comcast Refunds
What can residents do to prevent their mail from being stolen? And what can residents affected by the Comcast outage do to get a refund for loss of service? We bring the answers in this Ask ELi Grab Bag.
News | Podcast | Public Safety
East Lansing Insider: Delving Into The Hagadorn Railroad Crossing Accident
Andrew and Chuck recap last Saturday’s accident involving a Canadian National train running through some downed power lines and resulting in power outages. Andrew interviews a witness to the event and a Comcast representative.
Greek Night: Planning Commission Deals With Bevy of Fraternity Matters
East Lansing’s staff has decided to require special approval for new or newly-occupied frat and sorority houses, but “will not be applying the requirement retroactively.”
UPDATED: Electrical Poles Snapped in Half along Hagadorn Road Because of Train “Caught Up” in Downed Lines
A train caught in wires took down a series of electrical poles along Hagadorn Road, leading to “a mess” according to the Ingham County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management. The sign at Hannah Plaza was destroyed as a result. See contributed photos and learn more in this update.
ELHS Students Held Walk Out to Honor Oxford School Shooting, Call for Gun Regulation
ELHS students, many dressed in the blue and gold colors of Oxford High School, walked out of class and into the falling snow to take a stand against gun violence and remember the four students shot and killed by a classmate earlier this week.
MSU Police Say Divers Continue to Search for Brendan Santo’s Body
The search continues for the missing 18-year-old Grand Valley State student, contrary to circulating rumors today of a body being found. Police divers are searching the Red Cedar River near Sparty.
DDA Approves More Surveillance Downtown, While Chair Cautions Against ‘Big Brother Culture’
The DDA voted in favor of funding more cameras to be used by ELPD, but not before a lively discussion about privacy and how to welcome people downtown.
News | Public Safety | Schools
Alcohol Suspected of Contributing to MSU Student Death This Morning
ELPD and ELFD responded to a call to a house this morning where four people were unconscious. One died at the scene, and the three others were taken to Sparrow Hospital.
Ask ELi: Car Break-Ins, Fabric Recycling, and Streetlights
Will fabric recycling return to East Lansing? Why is it so dark at Valley Court Park? How can you mitigate the risk of car break-ins? Find out the answers in this Ask ELi Grab Bag!
Government | News | Podcast | Public Safety
East Lansing Insider: Discussing The Police Oversight Commission, Student Perspective On Couch Burnings
ELi reporters Andrew Graham, Heather Brothers, and Jack Timothy Harrison dive in to some recent ELi reporting on couch burnings and policing. Give it a listen!
Mayor Bacon Joins Gregg’s Push for Culture Change on MSU “Celebrations”
Alcohol cases at Sparrow’s ER surged, as officers faced a “more destructive” than usual crowd. Newly installed Mayor Ron Bacon is backing Jessy Gregg’s call, saying what’s needed is “a united front against destructive, malicious and dangerous actions.”
Man Seen with Gun and Gunshot Noise Leads to Emergency Alerts In East Lansing
Alerts sent out by MSU tonight indicated a man with a gun in the area of Woodmere and Grand River Avenues downtown. ELi brings you the latest and reviews the recent spate of violence in East Lansing.
ELPD Investigates Separate Weekend Shootings That Left 2 Dead And Another in the Hospital
Officers found two people dead from apparent gunshot wounds after responding to a call on Saturday evening, according to ELPD Deputy Chief Steve Gonzalez. Later that evening, a shooting near the downtown CVS left someone hospitalized.
Students, MSU Officials Weigh in on Couch Burnings, Property Destruction in East Lansing
While ELPD and MSU officials promise repercussions for burning couches and vandalism, MSU students tell ELi’s Jack Timothy Harrison how they view Saturday’s postgame events. The gap is clear.
Search Continues for Missing 18-Year-Old Brendan Santo
Police have searched by helicopter, foot, drone, boat, and using advanced tracking technology and specialized canines. They are also asking the public to help.
After a Weekend of Mayhem, ELPD Moving to ID and Arrest Those Who Set Fires, Flipped Cars (UPDATED)
ELPD is looking to identify, arrest, and prosecute those who set fires and destroyed property over the weekend. The scene became “a very serious safety issue for our emergency responders,” according to ELPD Chief Kim Johnson.
News | Public Safety | Schools
Young People in Spartan Garb Set Fires, Commit Destruction after MSU Beats UM
Young people mostly in Spartan garb set fires in EL neighborhoods after MSU beat UM in football. Police and fire officers were well outnumbered. ELi brings you video.
Government | News | Public Safety | Schools
Mayor Gregg Implores “Don’t Be An Idiot,” as Sparrow ER Is Already Packed
Local officials fear that big parties related to football and Halloween will add additional stress to an already strained hospital system. Alice Dreger reports.
News | Public Safety | Schools
How Do Local Bars Deal with the College Town Problem of Underage Drinking?
“In March 2020, we turned in over 4,000 confiscated IDs to the ELPD that we collected from the school year, just September to March,” said Pat Riley, the owner of Harper’s Restaurant and Brew Pub and the Responsible Hospitality Council’s president.
Government | News | Public Safety | Schools
ELHS Temporarily Sheltered In Place Today
ELHS temporarily sheltered in place this morning due to a medical emergency. The shelter in place order has ended.
ELPD Searching for Missing Woman (UPDATE: Located)
Ashana Lamise Smith was last seen on Oct. 17 on the 100 block of North Harrison Road. She was wearing a red jacket, blue jeans, and blue Tommy Hilfiger sandals.
Person Hospitalized After Fall from Parking Garage on Albert Avenue
The person who was injured “had either fallen or purposely jumped from the first floor” of the parking garage in East Lansing’s downtown, according to Deputy Police Chief Steve Gonzalez.
Ask ELi: Sewers, Trails, Dogs, and Door-to-Door Salespeople
When will the access point to the Northern Tier Trail at Colorado Drive be complete? How does East Lansing handle dog attacks? How can you attend Council member Babock’s flooding town hall tonight?
Dawn Carson, East Lansing’s First Woman Fire Chief, Is Sworn In
Carson told ELi she’s looking forward to being Chief of the “outstanding group of paramedics and firefighters who provide excellent emergency medical services and fire protection to the community.”
Downtown East Lansing Stabbing Victim Suffers “Significant” Injuries; Suspect in Custody
Another violent crime hit the Ann Street Plaza-area of East Lansing’s downtown this weekend after a fight broke out early Sunday morning. Here is what ELi has learned about the incident.
City Council Says ‘No’ To Signing Off On Sheriff’s Rebuke of Prosecutor
Ingham County Sheriff Scott Wriggelsworth has been canvassing municipalities in an attempt to get local leaders to sign onto his statement opposing County Prosecutor Carol Siemon’s reforms. Heather Brothers reports on his failure to convince East Lansing City Council to sign.
Major East Lansing Emergency Occurred Because Consumers Energy Contractor Failed to Mark Gas Line
Hear the 911 call and learn what went wrong and right when a major gas leak erupted in a residential East Lansing neighborhood on June 3. Are the safety systems working?
Gas Line Rupture Led to Emergency Evacuations in Oakwood on Thursday
A contractor was laying cable for Zayo when a gas line was ruptured. The leak was significant, with the scent added to the gas easily detectable a block away. ELi’s Alice Dreger reports.