Police search for man breaking into St. Clair Shores homes in middle of day

Police say man tries to break into homes when owners are away

ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich. – Police in St. Clair Shores are hoping the public can help them track down a man who has been breaking into homes in the middle of the day.

Right now, police have a video that shows the man's vehicle, and detectives hope that will lead to more information.

Resident Nancy Kopacki and her guard dog, Kency, know a lot about their St. Clair Shores neighborhood, and they noticed the gray Jeep Patriot that was caught on a home security camera.

Police are searching for this Jeep Patriot in connection with the home invasions. (WDIV)

"I've seen a Jeep Patriot," Kopacki said. "There are so many cars ... I never really paid attention to it."

She said she'll be paying attention now, after three home invasions or attempted home invasions in the area over the last week.

On March 16, a man tried to break into two homes. Detective Gordon Carrier said it happened during the day when the man thought nobody was home.

"He's knocking on the door pretty hard," Carrier said. "If no one answers, then he's kicking in the door."

In those two instances, somebody was home, which scared the man away. But the owners weren't home at the third home he tried, so he broke inside and got away with jewelry.

The three incidents happened at homes on Frazho Street, River Road and Gaukler Street. The two homes he didn't get into had working deadbolts.

The gray Jeep Patriot has what's called a Spectacular Peninsula license plate.

St. Clair Shores police said they're taking the case very seriously because it could turn into a violent situation.


About the Authors:

Nick joined the Local 4 team in February of 2015. Prior to that he spent 6 years in Sacramento covering a long list of big stories including wildfires and earthquakes. Raised in Sterling Heights, he is no stranger to the deep history and pride Detroit has to offer.

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.