Park Twp., MI (WGHN) – Three men are facing home invasion charges following a series of targeted break-ins in West Michigan.
The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office says 44-year-old Yeisson Parra-Zarate, 33-year-old Jorge Navarrete-Caballero, and 47-year-old Luis Diaz-Montejo were arraigned Monday in 58th District Court.
All three are charged with second-degree home invasion and are being held at the Ottawa County Jail on 500-thousand-dollar cash or surety bonds. Investigators believe the three men may be connected to a South American Theft Group operating out of the Chicago area.
Authorities say the group is believed to target the homes of Asian business owners, looking for cash, jewelry and other high-value items. The investigation began after two separate break-ins in Park Township last week.
On August 26th, two suspects allegedly forced their way into a home on Silver Ridge Drive during the day. One of the suspects was armed with a knife. The suspects reportedly left empty-handed after being startled by a 22-year-old man who was inside the home.
Then, on August 28th, around 10:20 at night, suspects allegedly broke into an unoccupied home on Peach Leaf Court. Investigators say doors and windows were forced open, and the home was ransacked.
Several thousand dollars in cash, jewelry and other valuables were reported stolen.
Detectives then used the Flock Safety camera network, along with other investigative tools, to track a suspect vehicle.
Authorities say they believed the suspects had returned to the area to carry out the second burglary.
Ottawa County deputies and officers with the Holland Department of Public Safety located and stopped the vehicle shortly after the Peach Leaf Court break-in.
All three suspects were taken into custody without further incident.
The investigation is continuing.
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