Burglar hits Gaines Twp neighborhoods

GAINES TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) - Police in Kent County say a young man is responsible for breaking into two homes and three vehicles in two neighborhoods, as well as stealing a vehicle.

That suspect is still not in custody for the crimes that police say occurred Sunday morning.

He is described as a thin, black male, 17 to 20 years old, about 5 feet 9 inches tall, having a 2-inch Afro haircut, and wearing a light colored T-shirt and a dark backpack at the times of the crimes.

At 6:58 a.m. sheriff's deputies investigated a breaking-and-entering in the 6800 block of Crystal View Drive where the suspect entered the unlocked front door of a home and stole a purse while the residents slept.

At 8:28 a.m. deputies responded to a home invasion in progress in the 6600 block of Summerbreeze Drive where the suspect tried to enter the back sliding door of the house. He then fled on foot.

At 9:16 a.m. a vehicle stolen from Kentwood was later found in the driveway in the 6900 block of Fairway Vista Drive. The silver 2004 Chevy Trailblazer had a broken window. Police said the suspect drove to this address before committing the other crimes.

Three vehicles were also broken into in the same neighborhood(s) --

-- 1900 block of Hollow Creek Drive -- unlocked cars in driveway
-- 2100 block of Hartman Court -- smashed window of car in driveway
-- 1900 block of Summerlook Drive -- unlocked car in driveway

If you have any information about these crimes you are asked to call the Kent County Sheriff's Department at 616.632.6100 or Silent Observer at 616.774.2345.