2 suspects apprehended, 2 others at large following manhunt

By Allison Scarbrough. OCP Editor.

NEWFIELD TOWNSHIP — Two men have been arrested for attempted armed robbery following an “exhaustive” manhunt by police in a rural, swampy area,  and two other suspects are on the loose after a gunshot was fired at a medical marijuana growing operation Wednesday.

Central dispatch received a 911 call stating that someone was trying to steal medical marijuana from a growing operation, said Oceana County Undersheriff Tim Priese. “The (female) complainant was there to watch the medical marijuana grow to avoid plants from being stolen. The complainant observed three individuals dressed in camouflage with their faces covered approaching the medical marijuana (growing operation) from the woods. She called out to them, and it was at this time she states a round was fired and the three individuals ran off. After an exhaustive search, two men were arrested and are being charged with attempted armed robbery.

“Our investigation continues into the location of two other individuals that we feel are involved with this crime,” the undersheriff said. “No one was injured, during this incident.” The two suspects who were arrested will be arraigned later today in 78th District Court on charges of attempted armed robbery, he said.

“This incident occurred outside of Hesperia in a rural country area, with woods, swamps and corn fields,” Priese said.

Updates to this story will be posted as they become available.