SOUTH HAVEN (WKZO-AM) — They were hardened criminals, experienced drug dealers, armed, well-funded and organized until they got caught allegedly trying to shoplift liquor from the Meijer near South Haven.
Investigators in the lake shore community say the local men all have extensive criminal records.
Apparently someone at the store caught onto what they were up to and called police. Two of them were confronted in the parking lot of the big retailer and arrested. A third was waiting for them in a getaway car.
A search of the car turned up crack, marijuana and a substantial amount of cash. Warrants were obtained to search their hotel room and a second vehicle and more drugs, a stolen handgun and an unregistered handgun were seized.
They are being held for organized retail fraud and a variety of gun and drug felonies.