Battle Creek police recovered a stolen vehicle and arrested a suspect on March 26 after working with the victim to set up a controlled meeting.
The case began when officers were contacted by a victim from Eaton Rapids, who reported their vehicle had been stolen from their garage the previous week. The victim told police that the vehicle was listed for sale online.
Officers collaborated with the victim to arrange a meeting with the seller. Additional units, including the department’s gang suppression unit and special investigations unit, assisted in organizing a controlled encounter at a gas station near Raymond Road and Michigan Avenue. When the suspect arrived driving the stolen car, officers conducted an arrest without incident.
Police identified the suspect as a 32-year-old man from Ionia County who is known to the victim. Officers confirmed that the car was stolen after finding its title inside, which belonged to the victim. The suspect was arrested on multiple charges related to possessing a stolen vehicle and outstanding warrants before being lodged at Calhoun County Jail.
Authorities remind residents not to attempt recovering suspected stolen property themselves if they see it listed online but instead contact law enforcement.
