Contact: Sgt. Joel Roon - 616.632.6106
Email: joel.roon@kentcountymi.gov
Supervisor Approval: Sgt. Roon 
Incident Type:  Stolen Vehicle/Fleeing Suspects

CASCADE TOWNSHIP, Mich:  July 17, 2019 - Following a license plate check near 28th and Patterson Ave SE a Kent County deputy identified a stolen vehicle occupied by two males.  The investigating deputy did not initiate a traffic stop immediately but instead waited for backup units to arrive.  The suspect vehicle proceeded to the intersection of Burton and East Paris Ave SE and was stopped at the traffic signal, blocked in by other traffic. The Kentwood Police Department was of great assistance and arrived in the area to hold up traffic at the light in an effort to take the suspects into custody while they were stopped, thus avoiding a potential pursuit.  The suspects were able to jump the curb and turn northbound on East Paris from Burton where they proceeded for a short time at a low speed.  While the vehicle was still in motion, both suspects attempted to jump from the vehicle, at which time it struck a pole and both of them were ejected.  Following the crash, the suspects fled on foot.  One suspect was taken into custody a short time later and the other suspect is believed to have stolen an Enterprise rental van from a nearby parking lot.  That van is still outstanding but is described as a white full-size cargo van being driven by a black male, possibly with dread locks wearing a white shirt and red shoes. The Grand Rapids Police Department is handling the stolen vehicle report and this incident remains under investigation.