KALAMAZOO & VAN BUREN COUNTIES (WKZO)– A couple of suspected thieves now face charges in Kalamazoo and Van Buren counties, that’s if one of them survives critical injuries suffered in a high speed chase with police.
The story began at about 12:30 Wednesday morning when public safety officers responded to a report of a robbery at TJ’s Liquor Store on West KL Avenue. Surveillance video of the robbery was quickly reviewed and a description broadcast to regional police agencies.
Van Buren Deputies spotted a car matching the description on Red Arrow Highway an hour after the robbery and initiated a traffic stop.
The passenger was arrested for having an open intoxicant, one of the bottles taken during the heist.
The driver sped off, leaving the passenger behind. He didn’t get far before he lost control, rolled his vehicle and was ejected from the Dodge Charger.
He was airlifted to Bronson Methodist in Critical Condition. A gun and stolen property was allegedly recovered from the wreck.
In Kalamazoo, they face armed robbery and gun charges. In Van Buren county, the charges include having an open intoxicant, fleeing and eluding and carrying a concealed weapon. There could be more.
