Portage Police Arrest Two for Stolen Items Following Tornado Damage
On Wednesday, May 8, around 9:30 p.m., Portage police received a call about two individuals entering a tornado-damaged business on West Centre Avenue and potentially stealing items. The police were unable to provide further details or disclose the name of the business that was targeted.
The block on West Centre Avenue, where the incident took place, houses a strip mall that suffered significant destruction during the tornado on May 7. Among the businesses impacted were a smoke shop, Pizza Hut, State Farm office, and barbershop. Following the severe storms that wreaked havoc in Kalamazoo County, officers discovered two individuals in the building with stolen items in their possession.
The business owner sought legal action and prompted the arrest of an 18-year-old man from Galesburg who was taken into custody and charged with breaking and entering a building with the intent to commit larceny. The case has been handed over to the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor’s Office for further review. Additionally, a juvenile female from Kalamazoo was also involved and has been released to her parents with charges pending review by the Prosecutor’s Office.
In response to the recent storm damage in Portage, the PDPS Police Division has announced plans to increase patrols in affected areas. For more information on the tornadoes that hit Portage on Tuesday, visit this link: [insert link].
