4 Ohioans burglarize Portage drug store

PORTAGE, Mich. (WOOD) - Four people are in jail accused of trying to steal prescription narcotics from a Kalamazoo County business.

A Portage Department of Public Safety officer was on patrol in front of Westlake Drug, 8822 Portage Road, when the burglary alarm sounded at 2:25 a.m. Monday.

The officer checked the business and noticed the suspects had entered through the front door. Three of the suspects were in the process of loading the medication -- including oxycodone and hydrocodone -- into a large garbage barrel, according to a news release.

The fourth suspect was hiding in a vehicle behind a nearby business. He admitted to the officer details of the crime.

As this suspect was being taken into custody, the three other suspects fled the scene.

A K-9 unit from the sheriff's department was dispatched but could not find the fugitives.

Two hours later, as the Portage officer was transporting the fourth suspect to the police department, the officer spotted the three other suspects walking in the 8400 block of Portage Road.

The fugitives were also arrested at this time.

If you know anything about this incident you are asked to call police at 269.329.4567 or Silent Observer at 269.343.2100.