By Staff
ST. JOSEPH – On Wednesday, May 28, at 7:45 a.m., Berrien County sheriff's deputies Aaron Nannfeldt and Rich Albers were stationed at Weaver Road and U.S. 12 on traffic detail when notified by Trooper John Moore of Michigan State Police Post 53, of a speeding vehicle, heading towards the location of the traffic detail on Weaver Road, Bertrand Township.
Nannfeldt and Albers were assisted by area agencies in pursuing the vehicle after it disregarded deputies' attempt at initiating a traffic stop.
The vehicle was described to deputies by Trooper Moore and a short time later a vehicle matching the description was observed traveling at a high rate of speed approaching Albers.
Albers was able to avoid being hit by the suspect vehicle.
Deputies pursued the vehicle with full lights and sirens unitl the driver of the suspect vehicle came to a stop.
From this point, a foot chase ensued when the passengers of the suspect vehicle tried to flee from police into a nearby wooded area.
A search of the vehicle yielded the recovery of approximately $2,000 worth of stolen copper out of South Bend, Ind.
St. Joseph County Sheriff (Indiana) detectives assisted in this complaint and advised the copper wire was stolen from a construction site in their jurisdiction.
The property was positively identified and returned to the owner.
The suspects admitted to detectives of thefts occurring in Indiana and out of the City of Buchanan.
Adam Papoi and Eric White of Buchanan were taken into custody and lodged at the Berrien County Jail pending charges of fleeing and eluding police, possession of stolen property, $1,000, receiving stolen property, $1,000, and violation of controlled substance.