Date: June 11, 2010
By: Chief James Petres
On Wednesday, June 9, 2010 at about 2:39 a.m., Officer Ryan Ortiz observed a vehicle in the parking lot of Nutech Computers at 1174 W. Hill Road. He thought the situation to be suspicious as the businesses in the Hillside Plaza were all closed at that hour.
As the vehicle left, he attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the vehicle continued to go west on Hill Road. After travelling over the I-75 overpass, the vehicle slowed and both occupants exited the vehicle and ran. The vehicle was still in motion at the time. The vehicle left the road and stopped upon striking a fire hydrant in the front yard of a home.
The officer called for assistance from other officers. Officers from Grand Blanc Township, Burton and a K-9 unit from Swartz Creek responded. The business was checked and it was discovered that a burglary had occurred.
After about two hours of tracking and searching, both suspects were taken into custody. Property stolen from the store was found in the vehicle that the suspects abandoned. Upon questioning at the station, both admitted breaking into the business.
During the search, one of the officers was injured while tracking through some brush. He was treated at a hospital and released. One of the suspects was also injured as a result of being subdued by the police dog. He was also treated and released from the hospital.
Both suspects were lodged in the Genesee County Jail. The case was presented to the Prosecutor’s office for review.
The first suspect, a 34 year old Flint resident was charged with:
1: Breaking and entering with intent to commit larceny
2: Fleeing a police officer
3: Resisting and obstructing a police officer causing injury
The second suspect, a 28 year old Flint resident was charged with:
1: Breaking and entering with intent to commit larceny
2: Resisting and obstructing a police officer causing injury
All of the charges are felonies. As of this time, the suspects are still custody awaiting arrangement on the charges.
The suspects are believed to be involved in crimes in neighboring communities.
The assistance of the officers from the Grand Blanc Township, Burton and Swartz Creek Police Departments is greatly appreciated.
