The Grand Rapids Police Department is urgently seeking the public's assistance in tracking down a prime suspect linked to a spree of break-ins across West Michigan. The string of burglaries has particularly targeted marijuana dispensaries, highlighting the growing concerns surrounding cannabis store security in the region.
Nehemiah Chilton, aged 18, is suspected of orchestrating over 30 break-ins, prominently at cannabis dispensaries and liquor outlets in Grand Rapids, starting in July. His most recent suspected involvement was reported earlier this week.
Beyond Grand Rapids, Chilton is also on the wanted list for similar criminal activities spanning Kent County, as well as the Portage and Kalamazoo regions. Notably, he is believed to have purloined nine vehicles within Grand Rapids, subsequently using them to facilitate his burglary operations.
While the Grand Rapids Police have successfully detained and charged three accomplices linked to Chilton, he remains at large. The public is cautioned against approaching Chilton directly due to potential risks.
Anyone possessing relevant information or who might have clues about Chilton's location is strongly encouraged to reach out to Grand Rapids detectives at 616-456-3380. For those wishing to provide tips anonymously, the Silent Observer can be contacted at 616-774-2345 or visited online at www.silentobserver.org.
In a series of events that has Michigan residents on edge and sheds light on the risks law enforcement face daily, a seemingly routine traffic stop escalated dramatically in Jackson County's Summit Township.
On a quiet Sunday morning around 9 a.m., a Michigan State Police (MSP) Trooper pulled over a vehicle for speeding. The driver, identified as Tavion Beasley, was clocked driving a staggering 92 miles per hour down US 127. However, what seemed like a standard speeding infraction quickly became a dangerous situation when the trooper detected the unmistakable scent of marijuana emanating from inside Beasley's car.
Body camera footage, later released by MSP, captures the interaction. After the trooper calmly requested Beasley's license and registration, she inquired if he had marijuana burning inside the vehicle. Beasley's affirmative response led to the trooper reminding him of Michigan's laws, specifically, "you know that it's illegal to smoke marijuana while you're driving?"
Throughout the traffic stop, Beasley, apparently unperturbed, continued to use his phone. Despite repeated commands from the trooper, the situation escalated when Beasley defiantly made his way back to the driver's seat. The subsequent struggle, caught on the officer's body camera, culminates in the chilling sound of the car accelerating, followed by the officer's pleas for Beasley to "stop and let me out."
Tragically, the trooper was dragged nearly a mile by the fleeing vehicle. While she was fortunately released from the hospital after receiving treatment for minor injuries, the body camera she wore was dislodged during the incident.
Following the incident, local authorities immediately appealed to the community for assistance. Residents were requested to check their security and doorbell cameras for any footage of the harrowing episode.
Remarkably, Beasley chose to turn himself in after discussing the event with his family members. Upon his arraignment, he faced several serious charges, including assault with intent to murder, carrying a concealed weapon, and assaulting a police officer, leading to injury. As of now, Beasley remains in Jackson County Jail, with his bond set at a hefty $500,000.
While Michigan has made progressive strides in marijuana legalization, this incident serves as a sobering reminder of the responsibilities that come with such freedoms. It underscores the importance of abiding by laws that prohibit driving under the influence of marijuana and sheds light on the potential dangers that law enforcement face each day. This occurrence, now a major topic of discussion in Michigan's cannabis community, emphasizes the importance of safety and responsibility for all parties involved.
In an alarming incident highlighting the dangers surrounding the underground marijuana trade, four teenagers have been detained in connection with a shooting near a Warren school.
On September 14th, Warren police were dispatched to the crossroads of Martin and Bunert after reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, officers discovered a man in a vehicle, riddled with bullets. The unfolding situation prompted immediate lockdowns at both Macomb Community College and Warren Woods Tower High School.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the shooting stemmed from a botched robbery. The 26-year-old victim from Roseville, who is currently fighting for his life after multiple surgeries, was reportedly involved in local cannabis dealings. Authorities believe his connection to the marijuana trade played a significant role in making him a target. As of now, the man faces a grim prognosis of possible paralysis due to the injuries sustained.
On the subsequent Monday, four teenagers – two aged 14 and two aged 15 – were apprehended at Warren Woods Tower High School. Of the four, three hail from Warren, while the fourth is an Oak Park resident. That same day, law enforcement also carried out searches at three Warren homes and an Oak Park residence, unearthing five firearms. It's speculated that two of these weapons are connected to the shooting incident.
Macomb County's Juvenile Chief, on Tuesday, allowed the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office Juvenile Unit additional time to deliberate on charges and to decide if the teenagers should be prosecuted as adults.
The proposed charges against the adolescents include armed robbery, assault with intent to murder, conspiracy, and multiple weapons offenses.
Macomb County Prosecutor, Peter Lucido, commented on the gravity of the situation, stating, "These young individuals have cast a spotlight on the consequences of our life choices. Not only do these decisions mold our destinies, but they also shape the security of our neighborhoods. Our commitment remains unwavering in pursuing the truth, ensuring those at fault face the repercussions, and delivering justice for the victim and our society."
A preliminary hearing for the teens has been scheduled for September 25th.
Hearings for five out of the six men accused in the July 16th break-in at a Coleman marijuana grow house have been postponed. One of the suspects, Addiel Torres, 49, was shot during the alleged burglary. The hearings, originally scheduled for September 18th in Midland County District Court, will be rescheduled due to the number of defendants and a language barrier. Midland County Prosecutor J. Dee Brooks anticipates needing up to eight interpreters over the five-day hearing duration.
The suspects include:
All are slated to appear in district court for their preliminary hearings.
Meanwhile, Andy Gomez-Niebla, 37, has waived his preliminary hearing and will have a final pretrial conference at 8:30 a.m. on October 24th in Midland County Circuit Court.
Charges include:
The origins of some suspects trace back to Michigan, while others reportedly hail from Florida and Colorado. Determining the true identity of some has been challenging due to their use of aliases.
The incident on July 16th saw a response from Midland County Sheriff's deputies after reports of a break-in with shots fired. Torres was reportedly shot by a resident. Sheriff Myron Greene acknowledged the collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies in apprehending all six men swiftly.
In the chilly days leading up to Christmas, amidst the festive fervor and joyful anticipation, a chilling incident unfolded in the quiet town of Saginaw, casting a shadow over the celebrations. At a seemingly innocuous locale - a car wash named Tae & G's Hand Wash and More, situated on 2211 E. Holland Ave. (M-46) - a group of friends gathered, sharing stories, laughter, and sips of prescription cough syrup. Their jovial evening was soon to be marred by violence and tragedy, forever etching December 13th into the annals of Saginaw's history.
Central to this narrative were several key players, each with their roles to play in the unfolding drama. Delano C. "Scootie" Green, a 31-year-old Saginaw native, known for his love of motorcycles, music, and the infectious laughter he brought to every gathering. Allen J. Foster, a 35-year-old, who, as events would reveal, had connections and grievances related to Green. Marcus T. Gilmer, a 33-year-old co-owner of the car wash where the incident took place, and an unnamed third individual, shrouded in mystery but deeply implicated in the evening's events.
While festive lights twinkled in homes and Christmas carols played in the background, these lives collided in a whirlwind of accusations, confrontations, and ultimately, gunfire. This article dives deep into the sequence of events, eyewitness accounts, and the subsequent investigation to paint a comprehensive picture of that fateful night.
Prominent figures, including the father of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and former state legislators, have rallied in support of Rick Johnson, ex-House Speaker, as his fate hangs in the balance amid bribery allegations during his tenure with Michigan's now-defunct Medical Marijuana Licensing Board.
Johnson's defense, led by attorney Nicholas Dondzila, submitted a memo late Thursday accompanied by letters from 20 influential personalities. Notably, among the writers were Richard Whitmer, former CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan; ex-Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville; and ex-Representatives such as Larry Julian, James Howell, and others.
Richard Whitmer, in a candid statement, admitted, "We all err, but our true mettle is tested by our response." Back in April, he penned his belief in Johnson's potential for reform, stating that Johnson had committed a "grave error" but will ensure to steer clear of any misdeeds in the future.
The prosecution is pushing for Johnson, 70, to serve a minimum of six years behind bars. However, Dondzila argues for clemency, highlighting Johnson's cooperative nature with investigators, his unblemished past record, his years of public service, and the extensive support he's garnered.
The ex-House Speaker, a Republican hailing from LeRoy, held his position from 2001-2004. After serving his term, he became a lobbyist for 12 years. His subsequent appointment to the marijuana licensing board in 2017 by then-Gov. Rick Snyder has now become a focal point of controversy. Admissions of accepting over $110,200 in cash and perks from licensing aspirants have been confirmed, including alleged bribes of sexual deeds.
However, Johnson's peers, such as Richardville, remember him differently. In August, Richardville penned a letter emphasizing Johnson's effectiveness as a leader, despite not being "perfect and/or polished."
Many have described Johnson as a man full of regret, who shouldn't be solely judged based on this crime but on his lifetime's worth of actions. Edward Gaffney mentioned in June that Johnson feels deeply apologetic for the dishonor he has caused.
In related news, another defendant, businessman John Dawood Dalaly of West Bloomfield Township, recently received a two-year prison sentence for bribing Johnson. Meanwhile, two cannabis business lobbyists, Brian Pierce and Vincent Brown, await their sentencing on October 18th.
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