Month: July 2023

Jul 21

Authorities Search for SUV in Herkimer Hit-and-Run Incident

Overview of the Incident

Authorities are on the hunt for a black Suburban linked to a hit-and-run accident in Herkimer that caused significant damage to several vehicles. The collision occurred Tuesday evening around 7:00 p.m. at the intersection of State Route 5 and West German Street, where the Suburban hit a red pickup truck. This impact sent the truck crashing into parked vehicles at Route 5 Auto Repair, but the driver of the Suburban did not stop.

Details and Investigation

The driver of the Suburban continued to Ilion, parking at the Ilion Fastrac. Surveillance footage shows the driver, a white male, inspecting his vehicle for damage before a Ford Escape arrived and the two drivers conversed. Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported. Anyone with information on the black SUV or its driver is urged to contact State Police at (315) 366-6000.

Jul 21

Three Teenagers Arrested After Stolen SUV Crash in Kent County

Incident Overview

Early Thursday morning in Ada Township, three teenagers were apprehended following a dramatic incident involving a stolen SUV. The trouble began when the black Ford SUV, which had been left unlocked with keys inside, was reported stolen from a residence near West Village Trail and Village Springs Drive. Deputies spotted the SUV shortly after 7 a.m. on Lake Eastbrook Boulevard and attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle fled, leading to a dangerous chase.

Crash and Aftermath

During the pursuit, the SUV ran a red light at Burton Street and collided with a westbound Ford Taurus, causing it to overturn. The Taurus driver, a 25-year-old Grand Rapids resident, was hospitalized but is expected to recover. After the crash, five people fled the SUV on foot, but thanks to the combined efforts of Kent County and Michigan State Police K-9 teams, authorities managed to arrest two of the teenagers, one of whom was found with a loaded handgun. A third suspect was turned in by a civilian. The arrested individuals, aged 14, 15, and 18, face charges, while the search continues for the remaining suspects. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Kent County Sheriff’s Office at 616-632-6125.

Jul 21

What is the Cost of the Most Affordable Fully Loaded Hybrid SUV?

Affordable Luxury in Hybrid SUVs

Hybrid SUVs are increasingly becoming more affordable and accessible, even in their fully-loaded configurations. Among the most budget-friendly options is the Chevrolet Bolt EUV Premier Redline, starting at $33,790. This subcompact SUV boasts impressive features such as a 200-horsepower engine, a 247-mile range, and a suite of high-end amenities like leather seats, a heated steering wheel, and wireless charging.

Alternatives and Future Prospects

Despite its attractive price and features, the Chevrolet Bolt EUV Premier Redline is set to be discontinued due to past battery issues. For those looking for a reliable alternative, the 2023 Kia Niro SX Touring offers excellent value, priced at $34,890. This model includes a 1.6-liter engine paired with an electric motor, delivering 139 horsepower and remarkable fuel efficiency, with features like smart cruise control, a power sunroof, and premium audio. As hybrid technology advances, these vehicles provide a compelling blend of affordability and luxury, making them an increasingly popular choice in the automotive market.

Jul 21

Avatr’s New Electric SUV Poised for Launch in China

Exciting New Release from Avatr

Avatr, the innovative electric vehicle brand from Changan, Huawei, and CATL, is set to introduce its second model later this year. The upcoming SUV, revealed through recent regulatory filings, marks a significant milestone for the company as it nears its official market debut. This new model, the Avatr 12, is expected to be a game-changer in the electric vehicle sector with its advanced features and competitive pricing.

Key Specifications and Competitive Edge

The Avatr 12 will offer two versions: a single-engine variant with 230 kW of power and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive option adding 195 kW. Built on the EP1 platform shared with the Avatr 11, this electric SUV is designed to rival premium models like the Nio ET7 and Zeekr 001. Equipped with Huawei’s drive system and CATL’s high-capacity NMC batteries, the Avatr 12 promises exceptional performance and range, potentially mirroring the Avatr 11’s options of 90.4 kWh and 116.8 kWh batteries. As Avatr continues to push boundaries in electric mobility, the anticipation for this model highlights the growing momentum in China’s electric vehicle market.

Jul 21

Heroes Honored for Bravery in Rescuing Driver from Burning Vehicle

Recognition for Life-Saving Actions

On Tuesday, Washington County paid tribute to two remarkable individuals who demonstrated exceptional bravery by rescuing a man trapped in a burning car. Jayden Darrington and Washington County Sheriff’s Sgt. Dustin “Dusty” Killpack received the Gift of Life awards for their quick and courageous actions on June 9. Their efforts were crucial in saving the driver of a vehicle that had crashed and ignited on state Route 18.

The Critical Rescue Effort

As first responders rushed to the scene, Darrington, who was passing by, noticed the blazing car and took immediate action. He managed to pry open the car door and pull the driver to safety, with Killpack arriving shortly after to assist. The swift actions of these two heroes likely prevented what could have been a tragic outcome, underscoring the importance of timely intervention in emergencies.

Their heroism highlights the critical role of bystanders and first responders in life-threatening situations, offering a powerful reminder of the difference a quick response can make. The recognition they received not only honors their bravery but also serves as an inspiration to others to act courageously in moments of crisis.

Jul 21

Top Anti-Theft Devices to Protect Your Car from Modern Thieves

Evolving Anti-Theft Solutions

In today’s world, traditional car anti-theft devices, whether they cost as little as $12 or up to $50, often fall short against determined criminals. As technology advances, so do the methods used by thieves to bypass security systems. Fortunately, newer anti-theft solutions are emerging to better safeguard your vehicle from these evolving threats.

Cutting-Edge Protection Technologies

Among the most effective modern anti-theft devices are kill switches, GPS tracking systems, and geofencing trackers. A kill switch can disable your car’s ignition, rendering it immobile if tampered with. GPS and geofencing trackers offer real-time location tracking and alerts if your vehicle moves beyond designated areas, significantly increasing the chances of recovery in the event of theft. Integrating these advanced technologies provides a comprehensive defense against theft, offering peace of mind for vehicle owners.

Jul 20

Driver Ejected and Charged After SUV Crash in Burke County

Accident Details and Charges

On Thursday evening, a serious accident occurred on Goldmine Road in Burke County, leading to the ejection of Irina Vladimirinova Biddle, 50, from her BMW SUV. Biddle, who was charged with driving while impaired (DWI), failure to maintain lane control, and not wearing a seatbelt, was seen by witnesses swerving before veering off the road and rolling her vehicle. The incident, which happened around 7:46 p.m., has resulted in significant injuries for Biddle, who was ejected through the sunroof.

Response and Ongoing Investigation

Emergency responders arrived at the scene and worked quickly to manage the aftermath, including addressing the presence of Biddle’s dog in the vehicle. The dog was safely taken into custody by Burke County Animal Control, while Biddle’s injuries were severe enough to warrant an airlift to a trauma center. During questioning, Biddle admitted to drinking before the crash, which has compounded the legal ramifications of her actions.

Jul 20

Woman Ejected from SUV and Charged with DWI After Serious Crash

Incident Overview and Charges

On Thursday evening, Irina Vladimirinova Biddle, 50, was ejected from her BMW SUV following a dramatic accident on Goldmine Road. The crash, which occurred around 7:46 p.m., resulted in Biddle being charged with driving while impaired (DWI), failing to maintain lane control, and not wearing a seatbelt. Eyewitnesses reported that Biddle was erratically swerving before her SUV veered off the road and overturned.

Emergency Response and Outcome

First responders faced a challenging scene, with Biddle being thrown through the SUV’s sunroof and suffering serious injuries. Emergency medical services prepared to airlift her to a trauma center for immediate care. Additionally, Biddle admitted to having been drinking, complicating her legal situation, while her dog, also in the vehicle, was safely taken into the care of Burke County Animal Control.

Jul 20

Why the 2023 Subaru Forester Outshines the Kia Sportage

Superior Fuel Efficiency

When comparing compact SUVs, the 2023 Subaru Forester stands out for its exceptional fuel efficiency, setting it apart from the Kia Sportage. The Forester delivers an impressive 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, surpassing the Sportage’s 23 mpg city and 28 mpg highway ratings with AWD. This difference means the Forester not only saves on fuel costs but also reduces the frequency of trips to the gas station.

Cost-Efficient Long-Term Driving

Choosing the Subaru Forester over the Kia Sportage could translate into significant savings over time. For instance, on a 500-mile trip, the Forester consumes three fewer gallons of gasoline compared to the Sportage. Over a year, this difference can add up to over $250 in savings, making the Forester a more economical choice for those prioritizing fuel efficiency.

In addition, while the Kia Sportage Hybrid offers better fuel economy, it comes with a higher upfront cost and only starts paying off after considerable use. If immediate savings are a priority and the extra cost of the hybrid doesn’t fit your budget, the 2023 Subaru Forester is the more practical choice for efficient driving.

Jul 20

Dashcam video shows stolen vehicle crashing on East Beltline, raising concerns over rising car thefts in Kent County

KENT COUNTY, Mich. — Dashcam video from the Kent County Sheriff’s Office shows a stolen SUV crashing into another vehicle on East Beltline and Burton. Five people can be seen running from the scene. Police arrested three teenagers, and two are still at large.

A loaded handgun was found on one of the teens arrested.

The driver of the other vehicle, a 25-year-old man from Grand Rapids, is expected to be released from the hospital.

The sheriff’s office has confirmed that the SUV was stolen from a neighborhood off of Village Springs DR SE in Ada around 6:30 Thursday morning, after the owner had left the keys inside the vehicle.

According to police, car thefts are becoming more common not just in Grand Rapids, but in Kent County as well.

As of June this year 615 vehicle thefts have taken place in Grand Rapids alone, almost 100 more than this time last year. 187 thefts have occurred in the rest of Kent County this year.
In Kent County last year 358 vehicle thefts took place, compared to just 139 back in 2019.
Sergeant Eric Brunner from the Kent County Sheriff’s Office says when a vehicle is stolen, they are concerned for what can follow.

“That vehicle was spotted near the parking lot of a planet fitness and the East beltline and 28th Street area, which is a concern because as we’ve seen over time, the stolen vehicles are often used in shootings, larceny from vehicles in fitness center parking lots, and sometimes those people those suspects can be armed.”

Kias and Hyundais have been the most vulnerable to theft, with GRPD saying there have been 363 Kia and Hyundai thefts and attempted thefts this year, with 765 taking place in 2022. Kent County Sheriff’s Office says are continuing to curb these thefts and bring resolution to the many victims of these crimes.

Car theft is a crime of opportunity, and be best prevented by locking your doors, taking keys and valuables inside, and also using a steering wheel lock for drivers of Kias and Hyundais.

Dashcam video shows a stolen SUV crashing into another vehicle, and five young people running away from the scene.