Police Blotter: Laid-off Dad Takes Groceries at Westborn; MetroPCS Window Smashed, Cell Phones Stolen

The following are highlights from reports from the since June 22:

Man says he took groceries from Westborn to feed kids

A man was arrested on a charge of retail fraud at 2:52 p.m. June 25 at after a manager reported seeing the man leave the store with a bag full of groceries. According to the responding officer's report, the manager said he confronted the suspect as the man walked toward his vehicle and asked whether he had a receipt. The suspect said he did not, the manager reported. The manager said the man attempted to close his car door and back out, but was stopped; both men returned to the store and Public Safety was called, according to the report. "(The suspect) said that he was recently laid off and that his kids were coming over to his house that evening," the report said. "He took food so they could eat dinner." The man was arrested on a retail fraud charge and his car was impounded. He posted bond and was released. He has a July 10 court date.

Cell phones stolen from Metro PCS

The owner of MetroPCS on Woodward Avenue reported to police that sometime between 7 p.m. June 22 and 10:30 a.m. June 23, a brick was thrown through one of the business' windows and approximately $5,000 worth of used cell phones was taken. The owner said he has not had a similar problem during the past 25 years. There is no suspect in the incident and BPS is investigating. A similar crime was committed during the same time period in Pleasant Ridge, according to that city's Police Department.

Residents or business owners who have information to report or who notice something unusual in their neighborhood can call the at 248-658-3380 or the at 248-541-1180. Public Safety officials encourage residents and business owners to keep their doors and windows secured at all times.