Man Charged in Dealership Break-In Caught Drilling Gas Tanks, Deputies Say

SPRINGFIELD, Mich. — A 28-year-old man faces multiple charges after allegedly attempting to steal fuel by drilling into gas tanks at a local dealership.

According to a probable cause document, John Porter was observed early Tuesday morning at Sunshine Toyota on Dickman Road, drilling into the fuel tanks of at least three vehicles and siphoning gasoline into a gas can.

A deputy on routine patrol spotted Porter and another individual in the act. Upon being approached, both suspects fled into a nearby wooded area. Porter was apprehended after a brief pursuit, while the second suspect remains at large.

Authorities discovered holes drilled into the gas tanks of three vehicles on the dealership lot. Additionally, a bag containing tools such as screwdrivers, knives, a hacksaw, and a window-breaking device was recovered at the scene.

Sunshine Toyota estimates the damage to the vehicles to be between $4,500 and $5,000.

This incident follows a series of break-ins reported the previous day at both Sunshine Toyota and Battle Creek Honda, where ten vehicles were broken into and various items stolen.

Porter is scheduled to appear in court on September 3. Investigators continue to search for the second suspect involved in the incident.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Lt. Curtis Smith at 269-781-0880 or Silent Observer at 269-964-3888.