On Wednesday, May 8 at around 9:30 p.m., two individuals were taken into custody for allegedly stealing items from a tornado-damaged business in the 2000 block of West Centre Avenue, according to the Portage Department of Public Safety. The specific business that was targeted was not disclosed by authorities.
The area saw significant destruction due to the tornado that hit on May 7. This block included a smoke shop, Pizza Hut, State Farm office, barbershop, and other establishments. The police department confirmed that two individuals were found within the damaged business and were in possession of stolen items. The business owner requested that charges be brought against the suspects.
One of the suspects, an 18-year-old man from Galesburg, was taken into custody and transported to the Kalamazoo County Jail. Charges of breaking and entering a building with intent to commit larceny were authorized by the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor’s Office. The second suspect, a juvenile female from Kalamazoo, was released to her parents pending further legal proceedings.
In response to the recent storm and incident of theft, the PDPS Police Division is planning to increase patrols in areas most affected by the tornado. For more information on the tornadoes that struck Portage on Tuesday, click here.