Police & Fire: Couple charged with rape of infants

Trace Christenson | Battle Creek Enquirer

COUPLE CHARGED WITH RAPE: A man, Matthew Toole, 32, of Battle Creek and his girlfriend, Talia Furman, 32, of Springfield, were arraigned Friday on charges including first-degree criminal sexual conduct, child abuse, sexually abusive activity and possession of child sexually abusive material. Michigan State Police said the couple are accused of sexually assaulting a three-month-old girl and 3-year-old boy multiple times between October and February. Troopers began their investigation in May after receiving a tip, Detective Sgt. Mike Salmen said Friday. He said the assaults are alleged to have occurred in Springfield and at a campground in Marcellus. Troopers said they have seized pictures and videos which show the assaults as well as other child pornography. Investigators are trying to determine if there are more victims, Salmen said. The couple were ordered held on $500,000 and are scheduled to appear for a preliminary examination on Sept. 5.

COOLER THIEVES: Battle Creek police said two people stole items valued at several hundred dollars from Dunham's in Lakeview Square Mall at 5775 Beckley Road. Store officials reported the thefts Wednesday but said they occurred Aug. 10. Store officials told the police that a couple entered the store and each picked up Yeti soft sided coolers valued at $299. They then apparently filled the coolers with other items and then began to leave the store. When alarms sounded the were asked to return by store employees and a security officer but instead they fled on foot. Store officials said the same people attempted a similar theft at a Dunham's in Kalamazoo and the stolen items later appeared for sale on Facebook with the Dunham's tags still on the coolers.

GUN INJURY: A 20-year-old Battle Creek man was treated at Bronson Battle Creek after he said he accidentally shot himself in the foot. Police were called to Bronson Battle Creek at 10:44 p.m. Wednesday where the man was being treated for an injury to his right foot. He told police he recently purchased the handgun and was putting it an holster when it fired. Both Battle Creek police and the Emmett Township Department of Public Safety are investigating.

Call Silent Observer at 269-964-3888 or text CRIMES (274637) SOTIP or see www.crimereports.com with information about crimes.