Lake Orion police arrested a man they believe is responsible for a string of vehicle larcenies in the village.
On Saturday, Dec. 20, on-duty officer Marc Sites observed Thomas Carrothers leave his residence on E. Shadbolt around 3:10 a.m. Carrothers was dressed in concealing winter clothing.
Ofc. Sites was suspicious of Carrothers and followed him in the patrol car for a few blocks. Sites then observed Carrothers enter an unlocked vehicle and begin to search it.
As the officer approached the vehicle, Carrothers ran. Sites gave chase.
Ofc. Sites captured Carrothers three blocks away.
‘He readily admitted to vehicle larceny,? Chief Jerry Narsh said.
During the interview Carrothers confessed he broke into several vehicles and searched for valuables, including a vehicle on Friday.
Police recovered valuables from Carrothers? apartment that confirmed his admission. They returned the property to owners from Friday’s theft, but no property was recoverd from previous larcenies.
Carrothers admitted in his interview he was a heroin addict.
‘The valuables and cash are liquidated quickly in order to buy drugs,? Narsh said. For now police are doing their best to get him help and keep him off the streets.
Carrothers? crimes are among others in a heroin-related crime network. And police say they are vigorously continuing their investigation on these crimes.
‘We expect more arrests soon as the investigations continue,? he said.
Narsh also reminds residents to lock their vehicles and to remove any valuables from inside.
‘Please take away the opportunity,? the cheif said. ‘Don’t leave anything in your car and keep it locked.?
Police also urge anyone who hears or sees suspicious activity, espeically at night, to call the police immediately.
‘We need the public’s help,? said Narsh.
Police believe Carrothers was involved in many vehicle larcenies in the area.
‘We do hope that this will put a dent in these crimes,? Narsh said.