Full Notification

Sheriff Richard J. Behnke reports that deputies of the Cass County Sheriff's Office responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on M 51 Hwy and Peavine St. in Cass County's Pokagon Township. This crash occurred on 9-3-2020 at approximately 8:40am. The investigation of the crash showed that a vehicle driven by Victoria Ruggel (19 yrs of Sodus, MI) attempted to cross M 51 on Peavine St. and failed to yield right of way to a southbound vehicle being driven by John Sypudt (87 yrs of Dowagiac). Mr. Sypudt's vehicle struck Ms. Ruggel's vehicle broadside. Mr. Sypudt was not injured in the crash. Ms. Ruggel and Beryl Fryman-Sypudt (80 yrs of Dowagiac, passenger in Mr. Sypudt's vehicle) sustained minor injuries. Mrs. Fryman-Sypudt was transported to the hospital via PrideCare Ambulance. Ms. Ruggel refused treatment on scene and was transported to the hospital via personal vehicle. All persons involved in the crash were wearing seat belts and alcohol was not a factor. Assisting on scene were the Pokagon Township Fire Dept and PrideCare Ambulance. The crash remains under investigation.