On Wednesday, May 8 around 9:30 p.m., two individuals were reportedly taken into custody for allegedly stealing items from a tornado-damaged business in the 2000 block of West Centre Avenue. The incident took place after a tornado hit the area on May 7 and caused significant destruction to several businesses in the block, including a smoke shop, Pizza Hut, State Farm office, barbershop, and other establishments.
The Portage Police Department received a call about subjects entering the damaged business and potentially taking items without permission. According to authorities, 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 was an 18-year-old man from Galesburg who was taken into custody and transported to the Kalamazoo County Jail. Charges of breaking and entering a building with the intent to commit larceny were authorized by the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor’s Office. The second suspect was a juvenile female from Kalamazoo who was released to her parents pending further legal proceedings.
In response to the recent storm and theft incident, the PDPS Police Division is planning to increase patrols in areas of Portage that were most affected by the tornado. Additional information about the tornadoes that struck Portage on Tuesday can be found by clicking here.