WRIGHT TWP., MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Feb. 6, 2023) – Four teenagers from the Grand Rapids area are under arrest following an early Monday morning burglary of a Coopersville smoke shop.
According to Ottawa County Sheriff’s Sergeant Keith Biros, deputies were dispatched to the Funky Monkey off of Randall Street at 2:19 AM. When a prowl car arrived, a black SUV drove off and went onto eastbound I-96. A pursuit ensued, which ended when the suspect vehicle lost control at the 16th Avenue exit in Marne and crashed.
The suspects then attempted to flee on foot, and with the help of a canine unit as well as state police troopers, Kent County deputies and Walker city police, the four suspects were tracked to an out building at a nearby church and surrendered without further incident.
On Monday afternoon, Sheriff’s Detective Captain Jake Sparks gave more details as to how the four gained entry into the Funky Monkey: “Investigation at the scene showed that the suspects had forced their entry … and stole items from within. Those items include cash, smoking devices and inventory. A full list of stolen items is still being compiled by business owners, but it has been estimated to be in excess of $5,000.
“Detectives continue to investigate and catalogue items that were recovered from the suspects and from within the stolen vehicle that the suspects had been driving. Some of these items include cash, stolen property, an unregistered pistol and other evidence.
“Sheriff’s Office Detectives are aware of numerous similar business burglaries and stolen vehicles occurring in the surrounding counties over the last few weeks. Detectives believe these suspects may also be involved in crimes in neighboring jurisdictions and continue to work closely with other agencies.”
The chase was somewhat similar to one in Bangor late last month in which a Van Buren County canine unit was deployed to track down a parole absconder who attempted to flee into a wooded area. That’s when a dog that can be loved by youngsters at a public event goes into “work mode,” according to Ottawa County Sheriff Steve Kempker.
Three of the four suspects, ranging in ages of 18 and 19, are in the Ottawa County Jail, awaiting arraignment on various charges in Hudsonville District Court. The other suspect, who is 16, is in the county’s Juvenile Detention Center.
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