Bloomingdale police chief arrested

BLOOMINGDALE, Mich. (WOOD) - A Van Buren County police chief was arrested Friday morning on a misdemeanor assault charge.

The Allegan County Sheriff's Department took Bloomingdale Police Chief John Josten into custody.

Josten made an appearance in Allegan District Court on a misemeanor domestic violence charge involving his wife, an Allegan County Sheriff's deputy.

Josten allegedly threw a glass during an argument that hit his wife in the shoulder nearly a month ago.

Bloomingdale is a village of 500-600 people.  One resident talked to 24 Hour News 8 and gave the chief credit for shutting down a crack house in the village and gaining the respect of the community.

"In this particular village he's done well," said Michael Cosby. "Because the crime rate's low and he's caught four or five people who have done breakins so he does his job."

The problem for the village is that Josten may not be able to continue as police chief because the judge today told him he had to stay away from firearms. He can't carry a weapon.

That could quickly end his law enforcement career no matter the outcome of the domestic violence allegation.

The village president today had just heard about the charge and had no comment but said Josten's future as chief is up to the village council.

If found guilty Josten could serve a maximum of 93 days in jail.

A look at Josten's criminal background reveals an assault conviction in 1978.