A 33-year-old Kalamazoo man who caused an 8-hour police standoff in Cooper Township has been arraigned on 5 charges. They include breaking and entering, possession of methamphetamine, reckless driving, and resisting or obstructing.
The man attempted to break into a house Wednesday morning, waking the homeowner by banging on the door, shouting, and demanding keys to a truck. It is not apparent who that homeowner was, or what relationship he or she had with the man. The homeowner told him to leave, at which time he went into a neighboring house. The police arrived to find the man’s vehicle in the driveway of the first house he had attempted to break-in but did not find him there. Instead, he was located in the second house. They surrounded the second house and attempted to coax the man out. After multiple failed attempts, they then gained permission to enter from the homeowner. The man was arrested inside the home, and 10.5 grams of methamphetamine were found in his pocket.
A survey of the scene by officers determined that the man had allegedly driver through or damaged multiple yards, a well, barn door, and a garage door. Further, the incident caused a school lockdown and road closures. During his arraignment, the man stated to the court that the reason he refused to come out of the house was because he was asleep.
Due to a prior conviction involving methamphetamine, that charge alone is considered a felony in the state of Michigan holding a 20-year prison sentence. Resisting or obstructing is considered a two-year felony charge, and all others are misdemeanors.
A defendant charged with these types of crimes should contact a criminal attorney immediately. It is imperative to receive guidance in preparing a best defense and reducing prison time.
Source: MLive.com, “Kalamazoo man faces 5 charges in break-ins, standoff,” Emily Monacelli, Jan. 11, 2018
