Tornado-Damaged Businesses Targeted by Two Thieves in Portage; Police Announce Increased Patrols

On Wednesday, May 8, at around 9:30 p.m., the Portage Department of Public Safety received a call about two individuals allegedly stealing items from a tornado-damaged business on West Centre Avenue. The police were unable to provide further details or disclose the name of the business that was targeted.

The incident took place in the block on West Centre Avenue, which houses a strip mall that suffered significant destruction during the tornado on May 7. Businesses affected by the storm include a smoke shop, Pizza Hut, State Farm office, and barbershop. According to Portage police, officers discovered two individuals in the building with stolen items in their possession following the severe storms that wreaked havoc in Kalamazoo County.

As a result of the damage caused by the tornadoes, the PDPS Police Division has announced plans to increase patrols in affected areas. The business owner sought legal action and prompted 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. A juvenile female from Kalamazoo was also involved and has been released to her parents with charges pending review by the Prosecutor’s Office.

For more information on the tornadoes that hit Portage on Tuesday, visit the link provided.