SOUTH HAVEN, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Two Kalamazoo area residents were arrested in Van Buren County for retail fraud.
The South Haven Police Department reported that around 12:09 p.m. on Tuesday, March 8, officers were called out to a local South Haven business where they found the suspects leaving the parking lot in their vehicle.
Police then tried to stop the vehicle, but the suspects kept going, leading them on a short vehicle pursuit. The vehicle ultimately pulled over, and both the driver and passenger ran from officers on foot, splitting up into two different directions.
Both suspects were apprehended and taken into custody.
Police recovered stolen merchandise that included three large flat screen TV’s with a total dollar value of over $1,500.
The driver, a 25-year-old Portage male is now lodged in the Van Buren County Jail, pending arraignment on the charges of Retail Fraud 1st degree, Fleeing and Eluding, and Resisting and Obstructing.
The passenger, a 17-year-old Kalamazoo male, was lodged in a juvenile facility on the charges of Retail Fraud 1st degree, and Resisting and Obstructing.
6 months probation, excused for time served. Our judicial system adopting California theft laws. We are getting softer, when we should be getting harsher.