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Suspected Scrap Metal Thieves Arrested

Posted at 3:44 AM, Dec 18, 2013
and last updated 2013-12-18 05:51:20-05
berrien co sheriff

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NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Two men accused of stealing scrap metal from storage units in Berrien County are in custody, and, police say, they could be involved in more thefts around the area.

Officers were called to the Whittaker Woods Storage Units in New Buffalo Township on Monday on reports of a larceny in progress.  Employees of the storage business had discovered two men stealing scrap metal and were able to prevent them from leaving.

The two suspects have been identified as Kevin Johnson, 51, and Chad Wingard, 23, Both from Michigan City, Ind.  Through the investigation, it was discovered that Johnson and Wingard were also suspects in a scrap metal larceny from another location in New Buffalo back in late November.

The investigation is ongoing, as there has been an increase in scrap metal larcenies and thefts from storage units over the past several months in the New Buffalo and Three Oaks areas.