DOWAGIAC — Dowagiac Public Safety Director, Steven Grinnewald reported that at 6:05 p.m. Saturday, Dowagiac police officers were called to the Northside Liquor store in the 600 block of N. Front street regarding a stolen vehicle.

The victim reported that she had briefly left her car running while she entered the store to make a purchase. She returned to the vehicle within a couple of minutes and found that it was missing. The victim immediately called 911 to report the car stolen.

Dowagiac officers responded to the scene and made contact with the victim to begin the investigation. While doing so, local officers were given a description of the vehicle. Shortly after that, a Cass County Sheriff’s deputy observed the vehicle on Dewey Lake street in Wayne Township, approximately five miles north of the city. The deputy attempted to stop the vehicle, and a brief pursuit occurred. The suspects fled south on M-51 N. from Dewey Lake Street. The vehicle eventually came to a stop near the intersection of M51 North and Elm street. Five subjects were apprehended at the scene. Two of the suspects were 17-year-old males from Benton Harbor. Both subjects were lodged at the Cass County Jail on charges of receiving and concealing a stolen motor vehicle. The remaining three suspects were juveniles. Two of the juveniles were released to their parents. The third juvenile, the driver of the stolen vehicle and a 15-year-old Dowagiac resident was taken into custody. The vehicle was not damaged in the incident, and it was returned to the victim.

Dowagiac officers were assisted by the Cass County Sheriff’s office, Silver Creek Township police, Michigan State Police, Van Buren County Sheriff’s office, and the Pokagon Band Tribal Police.