Traverse City Record-Eagle

Region

April 5, 2012

Interlochen man tries to catch burglar

Michigan State Police trooper subdues and arrests suspect

TRAVERSE CITY — An Interlochen-area man tussled with a suspect who broke into a nearby seasonal home.

The incident happened Tuesday about 9:30 p.m. on East Duck Lake Road, Grand Traverse sheriff's officials said. A neighbor noticed "suspicious activity" at a seasonal home across the road, so he went to investigate.

The suspect, 35, of Kingsley, was inside the home when the neighbor walked up and spoke to him in an entryway. The suspect gave a "garbage explanation" of why he was in the home, Undersheriff Nate Alger said, and tried to push past the neighbor. The two struggled as the neighbor tried to subdue the suspect.

The neighbor's wife called police, and a Michigan State Police trooper arrived and was able to subdue and arrest the suspect.

Alger is glad the neighbor was vigilant, but he wasn't thrilled by his decision to intervene with a home invasion in progress.

"It worked out in this instance where the gentleman was not hurt, but we do not recommend that people get involved with suspects," he said. "Contact (police), that's what we're here for. This gentleman could have been hurt or killed in the process, and we certainly don't want that."

There are scores of seasonal homes in the region, and they're occasionally targeted by thieves. Alger encourages seasonal residents to take precautions.

"If you're going to have a seasonal home, you should do exactly what this resident did: Ask your neighbor to watch over the property ... lock it up, and alarm it if you can," he said.

Investigators believe the suspect rode his bike to the residence. He was wanted on two warrants for failing to appear in court and contempt of court. He's now likely to face a felony home invasion charge.

The suspect was in possession of jewelry that police don't believe came from the East Duck Lake residence. Anyone who knows of any other break-ins should contact the sheriff's department at 995-5152.

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