By Staff
CASSOPOLIS – Cass County Sheriff Joseph M. Underwood Jr. reports on Sunday, Jan. 14, at approximately 5:56 a.m., a home invasion and armed robbery took place in the 67000 block of Bulhand Road in Calvin township.
The sheriff's office received a 911 call from a 60-year-old female stating that armed subjects broke into the home and bound her hands and feet while holding her at gunpoint.
When she called 911, the female was unaware of her boyfriend's location or well-being.
The suspects proceeded to steal valuable items along with cash from the home.
It was later discovered that during the invasion her 63-year-old boyfriend was also bound by his hands and feet in a barn located on the property.
However, he was able to free himself and return into the home after he believed the assailants had fled from the scene.
Identity of the suspects could not be determined due to the fact they were wearing camouflage clothing and their faces were covered by masks.
The incident remains under investigation as to how the suspects left the scene.
Upon deputies arriving at the scene and checking for suspects on or about the property, they discovered an elaborate marijuana grow operation in one of the out buildings.
The Cass County Drug Enforcement Team was then called upon for assistance in investigating the incident.
The drug team located more than 500 growing marijuana plants.
The drug team discovered a highly technical electronic lighting and heating system to assist in the manufacturing process.
A large quantity of processed marijuana and loaded weapons were present.
The 63-year-old property owner was arrested and lodged at the Cass County Jail on numerous felony charges, including manufacturing marijuana, possession with intent to deliver marijuana and felony firearm.
Cass County Sheriff's Office was assisted at the scene by White Pigeon state police and Dowagiac's canine unit.
Both the home invasion as well as the marijuana manufacturing remain under investigation.
Anyone with information in regards to suspicious vehicles or subjects in the Bulhand Road area in the early morning hours of Sunday, Jan. 14, is asked to call the Cass Couty Sheriff's Office at 445-8644 or the anonymous tip line at 1-800-462-9328.
Anyone wishing to assist with any other illegal activity or crimes occurring may also call these numbers.