Two Arrested after Ransacking Tornado-Damaged Business in Portage

Two individuals have been arrested for allegedly taking items from a business that had been damaged by a storm, according to the Portage Department of Public Safety. On Wednesday, May 8, around 9:30 p.m., Portage police received a call about subjects entering a tornado-damaged business on West Centre Avenue and potentially stealing items. The police were unable to provide further details or disclose the name of the business that was targeted.

The block on West Centre Avenue, where the incident took place, houses a strip mall that suffered significant destruction during the tornado on May 7, impacting businesses such as a smoke shop, Pizza Hut, State Farm office, and barbershop. Following the severe storms that wreaked havoc in Kalamazoo County, officers discovered two individuals in the building with stolen items in their possession, according to Portage police.

The business owner sought legal action, prompting the arrest of an 18-year-old man from Galesburg who was taken into custody and charged with breaking and entering a building with the intent to commit larceny. The case has been handed over to the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor’s Office for further review. Additionally, a juvenile female from Kalamazoo was also involved and has been released to her parents with charges pending review by the Prosecutor’s Office.

In response to the recent storm damage in the city, the PDPS Police Division has announced plans to increase patrols in affected areas. For more information on the tornadoes that hit Portage on Tuesday, visit the link provided.