A man from Spring Arbor Township was arrested and placed in the Jackson County Jail after police suspected he stole construction supplies, including scrap metal and batteries, that are reportedly worth thousands of dollars.

Police apparently were called to Sandstone Township due to a larceny complaint yesterday. Employees for the Hydaker-Wheatlake Company, which is located out of Reed City, reportedly suspected someone had broken into their vehicles that were parked near the highway. They said several items were taken, including heavy duty batteries. The company had been replacing power lines along Interstate 94 and left their vehicles parked there overnight, which is when the alleged theft occurred.

According to Milive.com, troopers apparently identified the 42-year-old suspect and then conducted surveillance on him. He was pulled over, at which time police say they found items that may have been stolen. Other items that were allegedly taken were found at a local recycling company.

Police also obtained a warrant and searched the man's home, which apparently turned up other items they believe to be stolen, according to reports. Those supplies allegedly include hydraulic cylinders, heavy batteries, heavy duty chains, metal pins and sections of angle iron.

Authorities were reportedly attempting to track down owners of the items they believe were stolen.

Representatives at Hydaker-Wheatlake apparently did not comment on the Milive.com story. It was not reported what exact charges were pending against the suspect. Police say he also illegally possessed Vicodin when he was pulled over.

Source: Milive.com, "Spring Arbor Township man arrested after allegedly stealing thousands of dollars worth of batteries, construction materials," 17 June 2011