Wayland City Police Chief Mark Garnsey called it “two great arrests in several days, as a couple of suspects were apprehended this week.
One arrest was made for retail fraud, fighting and fleeing Tuesday evening at Harding’s Market. A Harding’s employee stopped the suspect on suspicion of shoplifting and a fight ensued.
“Another customer assisted the Harding’s employee by trying to block the door,” Garnsey said. “The suspect was able to get free and run out of the store.”
This was when a Wayland police officer responded, along with Allegan County deputies. The Gun Lake Tribal Police K-9 attempted to track the suspect which led south out of Harding’s and down into the General RV parking lot. The track was lost in the parking lot.
However, Garnsey said he believes the K-9 forced the suspect into hiding at a place from which it was difficult to get out later without being noticed.
The Wayland officer then came back to the police department and through investigation was able to identify the suspect.
Joyce Jenkins, administrative assistant, was pulling up the photos of the suspect that the officer was able to obtain.
Garnsey continued, “Now get this… as Lt. Mark Rookus was looking at the photograph of the suspect on Joyce’s computer, he looked outside and saw a person who matched the description of our suspect. We ran outside and yelled the suspect’s name and he stopped.
“The suspect was scratched up quite a bit and no longer had any shoes on. He eventually confessed to the crimes.”
He was lodged in the county jail, and it was discovered he also had two outstanding warrants, one from Kent County.
The chief commented, “Nice job by the lieutenant. It’s nice to be lucky as well.
“Thankfully the store employees and assisting customer are all ok. Remember, your safety comes first. We always tell people it’s best to be a good witness. And, if you have a cell phone, a picture is great, but don’t put yourself in harm’s way.
“We just have people in our community who support and help the police and we appreciate it, but be careful out there.”