Portage Police Arrest Teen for Breaking and Entering Tornado-Damaged Business, Increase Patrols in Affected Areas

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

The block on West Centre Avenue, where the incident took place, houses a strip mall that suffered significant destruction during the tornado on May 7, impacting businesses such as a smoke shop, Pizza Hut, State Farm office, and barbershop. Following the severe storms that wreaked havoc in Kalamazoo County, officers discovered two individuals in the building with stolen items in their possession.

The business owner sought legal action, prompting 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. The case has been handed over to the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor’s Office for further review. Additionally, a juvenile female from Kalamazoo was also involved and has been released to her parents with charges pending review by the Prosecutor’s Office.

In response to the recent storm damage in the city, the Portage Department of Public Safety (PDPS) Police Division has announced plans to increase patrols in affected areas. For more information on the tornadoes that hit Portage on Tuesday