HOLLAND TWP., MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Dec. 18, 2023) – Two burglarizing scammers are wanted by the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department after a 91-year-old man west of Zeeland was victimized by them on Monday afternoon.
According to Detective Captain Jake Sparks, the unnamed man answered the door at his home in the vicinity of 104th Avenue and Business 196 around 1 PM. One of the suspects identified himself as a utility worker and explained that he was checking water lines for lead, and threatened the victim with a “large fine” if he didn’t comply.
While the “utility worker” kept the victim occupied through turning on faucets and shower heads without appearing to conduct any testing, another man crept into the residence unnoticed and stole an undisclosed amount of cash. By the time the unnamed man realized that he had been victimized, the two men had already left the residence in a white pick up truck without any distinctive markings. The victim was not injured in any way.
Sparks added that legitimate utility workers should have markings on their vehicles, along with lanyards or other proper identification on their person, and be wearing company-issued clothing with logos prominently displayed. He did not say if any similar incidents had occurred recently, gave no descriptions of the two suspects, and no arrests were immediately made.
The matter remains under investigation, and anyone with any information is asked to contact the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department or Ottawa County Silent Observer (877-887-4536).
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