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Farmers hold hemp thieves until police arrive
By: Mike Stiles - Wednesday, October 16, 2019

MENDON TOWNSHIP – Local farmers helped authorities capture some thieves.

St. Joseph County Sheriff Brad Balk says his department was notified of a larceny of hemp in Mendon Township just before 9:30 Monday night. Deputies responded to Clark Road near Haas Road where farmers were detaining four subjects who had a large amount of stolen hemp.

The farmers told deputies they had been working in the area and located a suspicious vehicle parked in a field, and they attempted to talk to the occupants. The suspects tried to drive away, but the farmers stopped the vehicle and held the individuals until police arrived.

Additional deputies responding to the scene located more suspicious vehicles and people leaving the area, who were taken into custody. Six subjects from the Battle Creek area were taken to the St. Joseph County Jail on multiple felony charges including larceny over $1,000; felonious assault; and providing false information to police investigating a felony.

Charges are being requested through the Prosecutor's Office for an additional two people.

The Mendon Police Department assisted deputies at the scene.



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