By Staff
NILES -- Troopers at Michgian State Police Post 53 in Niles are investigating a fatal traffic crash which occurred on Redfield Road east of Gumwood Road in Milton Township at about 11:50 p.m. Thursday night.
Troopers report the vehicle left the roadway for unknown reasons and the driver Matthew Anderson, 18, of Granger, Ind., was ejected from the vehicle and sustained fatal injuries.
Michigan State Police were assisted by the Cass County Sheriff Department and the St. Joseph County Sheriff Department.
The crash is still under investigation.
In other area law enforcement activity:
The Buchanan Police Department informed Niles City Police they had a warrant for Jody Blane Gaul, 41, of 410 Michigan St. in Niles, who is a suspect in a home invasion that occurred in Buchanan in January.
Niles City Police set up a perimeter outside, while the Buchanan Police Department made contact with Gaul and placed him under arrest.
According to the police report, officers found a 9mm handgun, that they believe was used in the home invasion. Two shotguns were also confiscated from the residence.
Police also arrested Kelli Jo Phillips, 36, of 410 Michigan St., for possession of marijuana while at the residence.
According to the police report, a parole officer with the Michigan Department of Corrections requested a preliminary breath test be administered to Timothy Watts, 41, of 622 Howard St. in Niles.
Watts agreed to the test, which resulted in a reading of .14.
He was arrested and lodged at the Niles Police Department with no bond.
The victim's vehicle had its tire slashed and there was a silver knife on the ground next to the tire.
The knife was placed into evidence.