Alleged Greenville thieves arrested after vehicle break-ins
Christopher Brimmer
Brandon Smith
GREENVILLE — Two Greenville men were arrested early Monday morning after allegedly breaking into numerous vehicles.
At about 2:40 a.m. Monday, a Greenville Department of Public Safety officer on patrol saw Christopher Edward Brimmer, 22, and Brandon Tiger-Lee Smith, 18, both of Greenville, walking in the area of Grove and Lafayette streets dressed all in black and carrying a duffle bag and backpacks.
The officer made contact with the men and discovered they were in possession of property and identification that did not belong to them. Further investigation revealed that the men were responsible for entering numerous unlocked vehicles and stealing various items that were left in the vehicles. Several victims were unaware of that their items were stolen until contacted by police officers.
“It appeared the suspects targeted unlocked vehicles and removed items of potential value,” said Greenville Department of Public Safety Director Mike Pousak.
Brimmer and Smith were arrested and transported to the Montcalm County Jail in Stanton. They were arraigned and charged Monday with larceny from a motor vehicle (a five-year felony) and breaking and entering a motor vehicle to steal property from $200 to $1,000 (a misdemeanor).
I reported these guys last year and they got away. I’ve seen the two of them (plus another friend of theirs) for the past couple of years. They always have backpacks and bags with them. Sometimes they are on bikes but mostly on foot. I have had things stolen from my car in the parking lots in downtown Greenville a couple of times, so I simply never keep anything of value in my vehicle and always lock my doors.
These guys walk around and check for unlocked doors. I’ve also seen them check buildings for unlocked doors. So people, please just take an extra second and lock your doors no matter what.