Tornado Strikes Portage, Causes Damage to Local Businesses and Leads to Arrest of Two Suspects

On Tuesday, May 7, a tornado hit Portage, causing significant damage to businesses on West Centre Avenue. Among the affected businesses were a smoke shop, Pizza Hut, State Farm office and barbershop. In the aftermath of the storm, officers discovered two individuals in one of the damaged buildings with stolen items in their possession.

The individuals were arrested and charged with breaking and entering a building with the intent to commit larceny. The 18-year-old man from Galesburg was taken into custody while a juvenile female from Kalamazoo was also involved but released to her parents with charges pending review by the Prosecutor’s Office.

In response to the recent storm damage in the city, the Portage Department of Public Safety (PDPS) Police Division has announced plans to increase patrols in affected areas. For more information on the tornadoes that hit Portage on Tuesday, visit the link provided.