Full Notification

Sheriff Richard J. Behnke reports, on 11/13/2022 at approximately 09:17 hours his office responded to a single vehicle injury crash involving a passenger vehicle. This crash occurred on M-60 near Stone Lake Dr., in Jefferson Township, Cass County, Michigan.  Investigation showed that Michael Douglas II (50 years of South Bend, IN) was heading east on M-60 at around 0100 hrs. Mr. Douglas lost control of his vehicle and ran off the road. Mr. Douglas was unable to exit the vehicle because of the injuries from the crash. The car was covered by snow and was not able to be seen from the roadway. A passerby William Beadenkopf saw movement near the ditch and went to check to see what it was. Mr. Beadenkopf located Mr. Douglas still in the vehicle. Cassopolis Fire Department and PrideCare Ambulance was able to extract Mr. Douglas from the vehicle and transport him to the Cassopolis Fire Department. Med Flight air ambulance responded and transported him to South Bend Memorial Hospital.  Weather and road conditions are believed to be a factor in the crash. Drugs and alcohol are not believed to be involved in this crash. It is also not believed that Mr. Douglas was wearing a seat belt. Assisting agencies include Cassopolis Police Department. Cassopolis Fire Department, PrideCare Ambulance, and Med Flight.