By Paul Garrod
Staff writer
news4garrod@gmail.com
ANTWERP TWP. – A 38-year-old Kalamazoo area man has been arrested following a break-in at an Antwerp Township business, according to a press release from the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office.
Van Buren County Sheriff Daniel Abbott said that on Aug. 7, 2026, Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Neil’s Hardware on Red Arrow Highway for a reported theft.
During the investigation, deputies obtained surveillance video that captured clear images of the suspect, despite his attempt to conceal his identity. The images were shared with area law-enforcement agencies. A Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics detective recognized the suspect based on visible tattoos.
As the investigation continued, the 38-year-old Kalamazoo-area man was located and arrested by Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office and Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division detectives in Kalamazoo County on an unrelated charge.
The suspect initially denied involvement in the theft. After investigators presented him with the evidence obtained during the investigation, he admitted to stealing the property.
The suspect also provided investigators with information regarding stolen property he had sold. Two of the three stolen power tools have since been recovered, and investigators continue working to locate the remaining property.
The suspect was charged with first-degree retail fraud, a felony, and habitual offender – fourth offense, a felony enhancement.
The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office expressed its thanks to area law-enforcement agencies that assisted with sharing information during this investigation.
