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Charges Filed In Dowagiac Basketball Incident
By: Mike Stiles - Wednesday, April 16, 2025

(photo courtesy of Dowagiac Public Schools)

(CASSOPOLIS) – Three individuals have been charged in relation to an incident that happened at a high school boys basketball game.

In a media release, Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz says that after review of materials and several warrant requests submitted to his office, charges have been authorized in Cass County District Court.

28 year Devontae Jones of Berrien County is charged with one 93 day misdemeanor count of assault and battery, and one 90 day misdemeanor count of disturbing the peace.

43 year old Vallen Johnson of Berrien County is charged with two 93 day misdemeanor counts of assault and battery and one 90 day misdemeanor count of disturbing the peace.

Fitz says Cass County District Court will set these matters for arraignment at a future date.

A juvenile has also been charged with a misdemeanor count of assault and battery and a misdemeanor count of disturbing the peace. Fitz says since the juvenile resides outside Cass County, it is expected that this matter will, by law, be transferred by the Cass County Juvenile Court to the Juvenile Court system in the county where they live for further processing and adjudication.

Dowagiac Police say four people threw objects at a referee, striking him, following the Benton Harbor v Buchanan District Boys Basketball semifinal game at Dowagiac on February 26. Police say the four individuals are an adult assistant coach, a juvenile player and two adult spectators.

Police also say they received a complaint of a woman assaulting another spectator in the stands.

An assistant boys basketball coach from Benton Harbor has been fired after being identified from a video as participating in the attack.

A video shows a referee being hit with a basketball and water bottles at the end of the game. He was escorted out of the gym by Police officers.



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