Full Notification

FRUITPORT TWP. POLICE DEPARTMENT REQUESTING ASSISTANCE IDENTIFYING PERSON OF INTEREST IN NOXIOUS GAS/RETAIL FRAUD INCIDENT AT FRUITPORT TWP. MEIJER
 
On Tuesday, September 24^th at approximately 4:30 p.m. Fruitport Township Police and Fire were dispatched to the Meijer retail store located at 5300 Harvey St. Fruitport, MI for the report of an unknown noxious gas emanating from inside the store.  Upon arrival, emergency personnel observed a small gaseous cloud in the center of the store which exhibited a strong odor of chlorine. The scene was immediately secured.
 
Upon further investigation a small plastic bottle was discovered in the Home Goods area of the store which was dispersing this substance into the air.  The substance was removed by the Fruitport Twp. Fire Department and the Muskegon County Hazardous Materials Response Team also responded to the incident.  Their preliminary findings concluded that the cloud substance was most likely resulting from swimming pool type chemical(s) placed inside this bottle. Four subjects sought treatment at a local hospital, were treated and released.
The Fruitport Twp. Police Department is requesting assistance in identifying a person of interest in regards to this incident.  This person was observed in the area of the chemical disbursement and committing a retail theft at the same time that the chemical cloud was observed.  Photos of the suspect as well as the vehicle believed to have been used in this incident is attached.
The Fruitport Township Police Department is conducting an ongoing investigation, which includes video recordings of the scene.  We are asking the public to contact our office with any information regarding this incident, which may include witness statements and/or personal video recordings.
If you have further information regarding this incident, please contact Detective Sergeant Bryan Rypstra or Deputy Chief Greg Poulson at the Fruitport Twp. Police Department or Silent Observer at (231) 722-7463).