Injuries reported in two-car crash Thursday

PORTER TOWNSHIP — Police responded to a head on collision Thursday evening in Porter Township.

The accident occurred at approximately 5:14 p.m. at the intersection of US-12 and Baldwin Prairie Road.

According to the Cass County Sheriff’s Department, Kyle Kauffman, 22, of Vandalia was traveling south on Baldwin Prairie, and came to a stop at the U.S.-12 intersection. Kauffman then pulled out in front of oncoming traffic and was struck head on by Alexander Carthans, 35, of Bristol, Indiana resident, who was headed east on US-12. There was one other passenger in the vehicle with Carthans, whose full identity was not released. This passenger obtained minor injuries and was transported to Elkhart Memorial Hospital by Sepsa Ambulance Personnel. Seat belts were worn during the time of this crash. Police said alcohol is not believed to have been a factor.

Assisting agencies include Porter Township Fire Department, and Porter Township Ambulance Service SEPSA.

Mishawaka fatal shooting victim identified as Niles resident

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. — The St. Joseph County Metro Homicide Unit has positively identified a shooting victim from an incident that took place early this morning at Bleachers bar in Mishawaka as 28-year-old Avery Christopher Brown.

His family has been notified. The most recent address on Brown’s driver’s license is in Niles.

Many have taken to social media outlets like Facebook to share condolences for the Buchanan native, describing him as “silly” and “a cut above.” Avery is a 2008 graduate of Buchanan High School.

The investigation remains active and ongoing, but it appears that an altercation proceeding the shooting.

An autopsy is in the process of being scheduled. No arrests have been made at this time. Anyone with information is asked to call the St. Joseph County Metro Homicide Unit at (574) 235-5009.

Berrien County prosecutor releases name of suspect involved in fatal hit and run

BERRIEN COUNTY — The Berrien County Prosecutor’s Office has released the name of the woman alleged to have been involved in a fatal hit and run accident on Sept. 15.

Kyriea Jade Demorrow, 23, of Niles, has been charged with operating while intoxicated causing death and failure to stop at a personal injury accident causing death. The prosecutor’s office emphasized that the charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless or until she is proven guilty.

Demorrow was lodged at the Berrien County Jail and later posted bond.

The incident occurred at approximately 4:12 p.m. when witnesses told police they had observe a small Ford SUV strike a bicyclist on Pokagon Road near Jones Road in Berrien Township.

Deputies responded, and soon confirmed that the bicyclist was deceased at the scene.

A witness and his young son had collected a vehicle description and plate registration number of the suspect’s vehicle. This information aided in promptly dispatching deputies to the address of the registered owner in Niles.

Deputies with the Sheriff’s Niles Township Patrol intercepted the suspect, and suspect vehicle,

leading to the driver’s subsequent arrest.

Preliminary results indicated that the suspect driver’s blood-alcohol content was more than three times the legal limit.

The deceased bicyclist was ultimately identified as 32-year-old Todd Harrington of Berrien Springs.