On Monday, Sep. 4, deputies from the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office were sent to an address in Austin Township to investigate a suspicious situation. Deputies spoke with a property owner that had a subject trespassing that was identified through a cellular trail camera in which the deputies located hidden a motorcycle behind an old building. The motorcycle was checked through the police database and did not
come back stolen. The motorcycle was towed from the scene and secured.

Deputies received a call back from the property owner that the subject was back looking around the property. After responding to the area to locate and identify the subject. While responding to the call, deputies were alerted to a break in at a Morton Township business. In that complaint, there was property damage and there was theft of (2) motorcycles. Only one of the motorcycles was removed from the property and the other motorcycle was identified as the motorcycle that deputies had previously impounded and secured.

Deputies were able to locate the suspect in the area initially in a vehicle and the suspect exited his vehicle as deputies turned around to contact him. They were able to identify the suspect using the pictures received in the initial complaint as well as comparing them to the business’ video surveillance. They were also able to secure evidence linking the suspect to both vehicles and the business.

Deputies are continuing to investigate the complaint and believe that the suspect may be responsible for additional thefts in the area. The suspect, a 18-year-old Stanwood male, was arrested on multiple
charges and lodged in the Mecosta Sheriff's Office Jail. The suspect will be identified pending formal arraignment in the 77th District Court.

Deputies were assisted by Big Rapids Department of Public Safety – Police Division, Michigan State Police along with their K9, and Meceola Central Dispatch.