GAYLORD – Michigan State Police officials responded to an alleged domestic violence event involving a Crawford County deputy.
Crawford County Sheriff Ryan Swope said a third party called his department to report an assault by off-duty deputy Paul Norman Nowakowski. The call was referred to the Michigan State Police (MSP).
On Sunday July 9 at approximately 6:09 p.m. troopers from the MSP Gaylord Post were dispatched to an address on W. Otsego Lake Drive in Otsego Lake Township
The third-party caller also reported the suspect had pointed a firearm at the victim. Troopers arrived at the residence and spoke with the victim who was sitting inside a vehicle parked outside. Inside the vehicle there were two unloaded handguns on the front seat.
The victim said Nowakowski, 36, a Crawford County deputy since August 2022, had become upset earlier in the day about their dog jumping on the bed. The victim texted a friend telling them she didn’t feel safe.
After learning she had sent the text, Nowakowski threw her phone breaking it. During the altercation, the victim claimed Nowakowski pointed a handgun at her and the dog.
Troopers spoke with Nowakowski outside the residence and placed him under arrest. Troopers seized two handguns and several other items.
Nowakowski was lodged in the Otsego County Jail. Nowakowski was arraigned today in the 87-A District Court in Otsego County on one count Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, one count Felony Firearms, one count Possess Firearm Under the Influence, and one count Domestic Violence.
Bond was set at $5,000 cash surety. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 27.
