MT. PLEASANT -- The Mt. Pleasant Police Department is investigating a crime that turned on their own vehicles.

Early Sunday morning officers were called to the 1000 block of South Main Street on a noise complaint.  The neighborhood is traditionally a housing area for students at Central Michigan University.

One of the officers arrived in the area and was informed by witnesses that individuals at 1016 South Main Street were throwing bottles and fighting in the back lot.

Previous to this particular call, officers had responded to numerous calls for service for fights in this area.  Although officers were not injured, officers also encountered people throwing rocks, bottles, and debris at them. Upon returning to their patrol cars, officers immediately noticed the damage to their vehicles.

One of the patrol units had a shattered rear window, and the rock that had been thrown was found in that car’s back seat. Another patrol vehicle had a large dent and scrape in the front hood, while the third vehicle had a chip in the rear window and a large dent in the front hood.

Officers and detectives will be reviewing in-car video as well as interviewing witnesses and residents for further information regarding this incident. Once the individuals are identified, officials at the police department will seek criminal charges.

The penalty for malicious destruction of police property is a four-year felony with fines and costs of to $5,000.

Director Gomez stated, “The Department of Public Safety and Central Michigan University Resident Life and Student Life offices have spent a great deal of time delivering messages to students about what is expected of them as part of our community.  This past weekend’s behavior, which resulted in several police vehicles being damaged and objects being thrown at officers is again unacceptable and cannot be tolerated.  The City Police Department has an obligation and duty to create a safe environment by protecting people and property.  For this coming Western weekend activities, we will be increasing our enforcement efforts and continue with a zero tolerance approach.”

Mt. Pleasant Police Department is prepared for this coming weekend’s CMU vs. Western Michigan University football game.  Traditionally, large celebrations have followed this particular football game, which is scheduled this year for Friday, November 5, at 6 p.m. In order to provide for the protection of the public and property, a strong police presence has been planned. 

Local law enforcement officers, officers from surrounding counties, as well as many Michigan State Police troopers will be involved in keeping the peace at post-game gatherings. 

If you have any information in regards to this crime please contact the Mt. Pleasant City Police Department at 989-779-5100 or the anonymous tip line at 989 779-9111.