(10-9-19) On October 7, 2019, at approximately 2:20 a.m., St. Joseph Township officers responded to the area of Brownway Rd. in reference to suspicious persons who were seen entering or attempting to enter vehicles. The caller was able to show officers video surveillance footage from home security cameras and officers began searching the area for the possible suspects.

SJTPD Officers were assisted in the area by Berrien County Sheriff’s Department, BCSD K-9, and St. Joseph Department of Public Safety.

After arriving in the area, an officer spotted the suspects, and the suspects fled from the officer on foot. Officers continued to search the area and were able to locate and apprehend two individuals who were found by the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit, hiding in a wooded area near Seneca Rd. and Cherokee Trail in St. Joseph Township.

Two male subjects were placed under arrest.  Charles Elontae-Chavonteru Jones, 18 years old, was booked and lodged at the Berrien County Jail. A 16 year old male, whose name is being withheld due to his status as a juvenile, was arrested and released to the custody of his mother.

Although these arrests are believed to be related to numerous incidents of vehicles being entered, St. Joseph Township Police Department encourages residents to continue to lock their vehicles and remove valuables from them, and to report any suspicious activity.