Grand Rapids Car Theft Video Ends in River Rescue

The Kent County Sheriff’s Office just dropped video footage from an overnight chase that ended with a suspect stranded on a rock in the Grand River. It gives us a firsthand look at how a wild early morning vehicle theft spree unfolded in West Michigan.

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Early Morning Theft Spree Triggers Fast Response

It all started around 3:00 a.m. on Friday, October 2, when a resident in the Adaridge and Adapointe neighborhood of Ada Township reported a car stolen straight from their driveway. Deputies responded within minutes, catching up to the suspects while they were still trying to leave the subdivision.

Spike Strips and Crashes Along I-196 in Grand Rapids

Four stolen vehicles took off together. Investigators later learned the cars were snatched overnight from communities across West Michigan. As the group headed toward Fulton Street, a deputy laid down a spike strip, taking out the tires on three of the four getaway cars.

From there, the pursuit scattered across the area. Deputies located one car abandoned at Ada Cemetery and another disabled on I-196 near Fuller Avenue. The remaining two vehicles crashed along the S-curves on I-196 in Grand Rapids.

K9 Track Ends in Grand River Boat Rescue

Multiple suspects took off on foot. While officers arrested one juvenile near the crash scene, another jumped into the Grand River to hide from police dogs. He swam to a rock in the water, forcing the Grand Rapids Fire Department to launch a rescue boat to pull him out.

Kent County Sheriff's Office via Facebook

Both teens were evaluated at a local hospital before being booked at the Kent County Juvenile Detention Center. Detectives are still working to track down the rest of the crew.

Anyone with security footage or information can call the Kent County Sheriff’s Office at 616-632-6125 or submit an anonymous tip through Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.