MUSKEGON COUNTY, Mich. – A group of juveniles, all under the age of 15, are responsible for a 7-month long crime-spree along Seaway Drive and Seminole Road, according to police.
Norton Shores Police Chief, Daniel Shaw told FOX 17 that the crimes include: attempted armed robbery, assault and various degrees of theft.
“They’re not all involved in every case, but this group of people were involved in numerous burglaries and larcenies,” said Shaw.
The first incident happened in November. According to police, the 15-year-old in the group pulled out a gun on two employees at Verdoni’s Restaurant, who were parked behind the business. Shaw said the driver took off while the teenager ran after them.
However, several months went by without any trouble. Until June, when four other robberies happened within days of each other.
According to a press release, the minors are all connected to four other crimes:
June 11, 2013: suspects entered a boat in the 3600 block of Mona Kai, stealing various electronics, fishing equipment and a flare gun.
June 15, 2013: two businesses were victimized by a group of at least four suspects. The group entered the Coffee House, 255 Seminole Road, by breaking a window. Once inside the restaurant, the suspects broke into the cash register, stole over $2,000 in cash, and vandalized the restaurant causing damage to the store and product. The stores surveillance video system captured the suspects acitivities while in the store and assisted in the identification of the suspects.
June 17, 2013: suspects entered a boat in the 3700 block of Mona Kai and stole fishing equipment.
On July 8, 2013: two businesses were entered and victimized. Suspects entered JD Byrider, 3692 Airline Road, causing extensive damage. Three cell phones, two cameras, and cash was stolen from the business. A vehicle parked at Babbit’s Sport’s Center, 3712 Airline, was entered and a cell phone was stolen.
Owner of The coffee House, Nicolas Mika, said the suspects hung out inside the restaurant for several hours after breaking in. He even said the group sat down at one of the tables to enjoy some food from the business.
Since the theft, Mika said his employees have been nervous about coming to work.
“We don’t have anyone closing alone anymore,” he said. “We did end up getting a security system installed.”
He did say however, that knowing the suspects have been caught, has brought them some peace.
“A little bit of closure to the situation. It doesn’t make me feel great that they’re little kids,” Mika said.
