2 Chicago men arrested after high-speed chase on U.S. 30 following string of retail thefts

Two Chicago men are facing theft and fleeing charges after Plymouth Police tracked them down Friday afternoon following a string of retail thefts — with Flock camera technology playing a key role in their apprehension.

On Friday, July 17th, Plymouth Police received a tip from an outside agency reporting that two males and their vehicle had just carried out a high-dollar retail theft. The description matched a previous theft from a Plymouth retail store that had occurred just days earlier.

Marshall County Central Dispatch used Flock automated license plate reader cameras to monitor the vehicle's movement. It detected it entering Marshall County, giving officers the critical time they needed to stage and prepare.

Plymouth Police moved in behind the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop on U.S. 30. The suspects refused to stop, began weaving through traffic, and attempted to flee at high speed. Officers were ultimately able to box in the vehicle, bringing it to a stop near the Marshall and St. Joseph County line.

The two occupants, Donnell D. Austin, 29, and Jason L. Reynolds Jr., 30, both of Chicago, were taken into custody. Multiple unopened retail items were recovered from inside the vehicle.

Both men were transported to the Marshall County Jail and charged with theft and resisting law enforcement by fleeing in a vehicle.  Each is being held on a $10,000 cash bond set by the judge.

Readers are reminded that charging information supported by an affidavit of probable cause is a mere allegation that a crime has been committed and that there is only probable cause to believe a crime has been committed. They are presumed innocent throughout the proceedings and are entitled to be represented by counsel and entitled to a trial by jury at which the State is obligated to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt before a judgment of guilt may be made.