CENTREVILLE, MI (WNWN/WTVB) – A St. Joseph County jury convicted a man last Wednesday after he was found to be in possession of a large amount of drugs and a gun during a traffic stop in November of 2021.
45-year-old Michael Grassnick was convicted of Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Resisting and Obstructing Police, and Felony Firearm following a trial in front of Judge Paul Stutesman in St. Joseph County’s 45th Circuit Court.
Grassnick was found not guilty of Resisting/Obstructing Police. Sentencing is set for July 21, 2023.
The charges were filed following an incident on November 4, 2021. Authorities say a vehicle was stopped by a St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Deputy on Klinger Lake Road for having a defective exhaust and no insurance. A further investigation revealed the driver was driving with a suspended license and the vehicle had an invalid registration plate.
The passenger and owner of the vehicle, Michael Grassnick, refused to comply with lawful commands to exit. After several minutes of discussion, Grassnick physically assaulted the deputy when the deputy tried to open the vehicle door. During the struggle Grassnick had to be tased by both the deputy and a responding officer from the Constantine Police Department.
A subsequent search of the vehicle located over 18 grams of methamphetamine, narcotic packaging materials, and a loaded 9mm handgun.
