SUGAR ISLAND, MI-- A man from the eastern U.P. was arrested Saturday for acting recklessly at the Sugar Island ferry.
Around noon the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office responded to the island side of the ferry following a report about a man who was driving out of control. A U.S. Border Patrol agent on the island saw the suspect drive a vehicle onto the ferry ramp, blocking the loading or unloading of any other vehicles. When the agent made contact with the man, the suspect got out of the car, grabbed a little girl from inside, ran to the edge of the St. Marys River and threatened to jump into the water with her.
Once the ferry landed the suspect ran onto it. An off-duty border agent happened to be on the ferry and helped secure the man.
The girl was placed with Child Protective Services.
Donald Rice, 38, of Sugar Island is charged with possession of meth and child abuse. A charge of operating under the influence of drugs is pending toxicology results.
