(CENTREVILLE) – Authorities say a suspect wanted in connection with two sexual assaults and a break in is in custody.
St. Joseph County Undersheriff Jason Bingaman says the suspect, a 25 year old Sturgis man, was arrested in Fort Wayne following an investigation that involved several different law enforcement agencies.
On March 20, St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Deputies and Detectives were called to the Sweet Lake Mobile Home Park east of Sturgis on a report of a home invasion. During the investigation, it was determined that a man broke into a home between 12 AM and 5 AM, where he sexually assaulted two girls under the age of 13.
Bingaman says investigators determined a person of interest. They found video surveillance footage of a vehicle that was suspected of being involved with the incident. Deputies identified the owner of the vehicle, and determined he was the suspect in the assaults. Authorities located the man and while waiting to take him into custody for questioning, he fled the area.
The Sheriff’s Office worked relentlessly to track the suspect and finally located him in Fort Wayne. They determined where he was at and set up a surveillance operation and were able to arrest the man.
The 25 year old suspect is charged with two counts of first degree criminal sexual conduct – person under the age of 13; first degree home invasion; and he is also being held on an immigration detainer.
Bingaman would like to thank the Sturgis and Fort Wayne Police Departments, St. Joseph County Central Dispatch; the Michigan State Police, Indiana State Police, the Indianapolis Police Violent Crime Task Force, TSA, ICE, FBI and Homeland Security for their help with the investigation.
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