Contact: Sgt. Joy Matthews – 616.632.6106
EM: joy.matthews@kentcountymi.gov
Supervisor Approval: Sgt. Bill Marks
Incident Type: Breaking and Entering
Case Number: 20-139640

CASCADE TOWNSHIP, Mich (Oct. 09, 2020) - On 10/06/2020 at 1:30 AM, deputies from the Kent County Sheriff’s Office responded to The Electric Cheetah located at 6450 28th St SE after multiple residents heard sounds of glass breaking and witnessed a vehicle leaving the parking lot at a high rate of speed. Upon arrival to the business, deputies noticed that the front window had been smashed out and entry was made into the building. During the investigation, it was discovered that the business’ cash box had been stolen.

Investigators from the KCSO responded to the business and reviewed video surveillance of the incident. The video showed a subject breaking into the business and fleeing in a vehicle that had distinctive characteristics. Investigators searched for the vehicle in the Grand Rapids area and were able to locate it. A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle and Jameson Balkema (49) was taken into custody. At the time of his arrest, Balkema was driving a stolen vehicle.

The case was presented to the Kent County Prosecutor's Office who issued charges on Balkema for breaking and entering and receiving and concealing a stolen vehicle. His bond was set at $20,00 cash or surety.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Detective Saladino at (616) 632-6128 or contact Silent Observer at (616) 774-2345 to remain anonymous.

We would like to sincerely thank the residents who reported the incident, and we continue to encourage all residents to report any suspicious activity to us.

###