By Staff
CASSOPOLIS - Edgan Hernandez recently discovered that police and Dowagiac citizens work together to make sure crime doesn't pay.
In April 2004, Hernandez, 35, of 25380 Peavine St., Dowagiac, was observed by several downtown patrons stealing a stereo from a car parked nearby.
Good Samaritans immediately surrounded Hernandez and called the Dowagiac Police Department.
Within five minutes, Hernandez was in law enforcement hands and the stereo was recovered.
On Tuesday a Cass County jury worked just as quickly to convict Hernandez of his offense.
After hearing testimony from the citizen witnesses and police officers at the scene, the jury returned a guilty verdict against the defendant for the felony of larceny from a motor vehicle.
Deliberations lasted less than five minutes.
In closing arguments, Chief Assistant Prosecutor Jason Ronning cited the overwhelming evidence against Hernandez and praised citizens for their quick thinking and cooperation with police.
Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz expressed his satisfaction with the verdict.
Fitz indicated that "Cass County is a bad place to commit crime. Citizens here are willing to help each other out to make sure that thieves don't prosper."
Fitz added that the quick response by police and citizens was very helpful in bringing the matter to a just conclusion.
Hernandez is scheduled for sentencing on March 11 in front of Circuit Judge Michael E. Dodge.
Hernandez faces up to five years in prison.