Seven teenagers have been arrested following a series of purse snatchings in Kent County.
The Kent County Sheriff’s Office said a KCSO sergeant on patrol in the area of 28th St & I-96 located a stolen vehicle that had ties to recent purse snatchings in Kent County, just after 2:00 AM on Tuesday.
The Jeep was later located at a nearby hotel. As more deputies arrived along with a KCSO detective assigned to the Metro Pattern Crimes Task Force (MPACT), units started to move in on the vehicle. The Jeep attempted to flee the parking space and struck a detective's vehicle and a police cruiser.
Five people in the Jeep were taken into custody. As the investigation unfolded, two additional people in a hotel room were arrested along with other stolen property located. Stolen purses from recent thefts, a stolen handgun, and stolen merchandise were among some of the items recovered.
All seven suspects have been arrested: a 19 and 16-year-old female from Grand Rapids, a 17-year-old and two 16-year-old males from Grand Rapids, an 18-year-old male from Plainfield Township, and a 17-year-old male from Gaines Township.
This case will be sent to the prosecutor's office for review of charges related to the stolen car, firearm, and stolen property. It is believed that this group may be related to other purse snatchings within our area. KCSO is coordinating efforts with law enforcement partners and MPACT.
