The Kent County Sheriff Department is looking for a man that broke into a home on White Creek Avenue in Solon Township Monday morning and then assaulted an elderly relative who arrived on the scene.
According to Det./Sgt. Marc Burns, a 77-year-old relative of the homeowner arrived at the house in the 17000 block of White Creek Avenue, near 20 Mile Road, about 11 a.m., as the suspect was exiting the home. The suspect attacked the victim, and then fled with several items from the home. The victim was transported to the hospital with serious injuries.
The suspect is described as a black male, 30-35 years old, approximately 6 feet tall, with a large build. The vehicle he used was described as a gray, newer style passenger car.
Anyone with information about this incident or suspect is asked to call the Kent County Sheriff Investigative Division at (616) 632-6125, or Silent Observer at (616) 774-2345.

A Solon Township family lost their home today when fire ripped through this home in White Creek Country Estates. Post photo by J. Reed

Two children managed to escape before a fire consumed their mobile home earlier today in White Creek County Estates in Solon Township.

Cedar Springs Public Schools did not have school today, and a 14-year-old girl was home with her three-year-old sister when she heard the smoke alarm go off. She said the fire started somewhere in the kitchen.

The call came in just after noon, and both Solon Township and Cedar Springs Fire Departments responded to the call. The fire spread quickly through the home of Troy Kaltenberg, located on Chestnut Drive. Kaltenberg was at work at the time.

“I was standing out here just a half hour ago and didn’t see anything,” said a neighbor, Richard Pawson. “Those old trailers go up fast.”

The home is a complete loss, and reportedly was not insured.

Photo courtesy of Trina Powell

According to park owner Russ Eldred, this was only the second fire since he built the park in 1971.