By Judy Reed

Thanks to our readers, two suspects have been identified in the Boomer Park break-in we wrote about last week. 

Our story last week asked if you recognized the people in the surveillance photos that were suspects in a break-in that occurred at Boomer Park in Nelson Township, about 11 p.m. Monday evening, January 29. The field is located at 13440 Ritchie Avenue, just south of Becker, and is home to AYSO Soccer Region 902. 

According to the Kent County Sheriff Department, a tipster saw the information in our story, and called Silent Observer. The info was credible, and investigators located the two named individuals—two 16-year-olds, who have been referred to juvenile court.

It was a relief to those who head up the soccer organization. “AYSO Soccer Region 902 would like to graciously thank those who called in tips which led to those responsible,” said a spokesperson for the organization.

It was the fourth break-in in nine months, and this time there was also some vandalism. A spokesperson for AYSO had said they may now need to use the money they had put aside for scholarships to repair the vandalism. The scholarships are used to help players from lower income families with registration fees.

By Judy Reed

Do you recognize the people in these surveillance photos? They are suspects in a break-in that occurred at Boomer Park in Nelson Township, about 11 p.m. Monday evening. The field is located at 13440 Ritchie Avenue, just south of Becker, and is home to AYSO Soccer Region 902.

According to the Kent County Sheriff Department, this is the fourth break-in in the last nine months.  They said the target appears to be the same as previous break-ins, however some vandalism occurred this time, which didn’t happen before.

According to an AYSO spokesperson, they may now need to use the money they had put aside for scholarships to repair the vandalism. The scholarships are used to help players from lower income families with registration fees.

If you have any information, please call Silent Observer at 616-774-2345. 

By Judy Reed

Burglary at Boomer Park

Thieves recently broke into the concession stand at Boomer Park, the soccer field located at 13440 Ritchie, south of Becker.

According to the Kent County Sheriff Department, an employee arrived on Saturday morning, May 6, to find a window open and items missing. Sgt. Joel Roon said the suspect(s) mainly took cash. If anyone has any info on this theft, please call either Silent Observer with info at 616-774-2345 or the detective bureau at 616-632-6125.

Breaking and entering

Residents of a home in the 10700 block of 15 Mile Rd returned home on Saturday, May 6, about 9 p.m., to find the windows of two doors were broken and items inside the house had been moved. According to the Kent County Sheriff Department, the point of entry was unclear, and nothing was taken.