Trace Christenson

Battle Creek Enquirer

Battle Creek police caught a purse-snatching suspect Monday and likely saved the life of the man’s girlfriend.

Officers in Battle Creek and Emmett Township began investigating two purse-snatchings Sunday at the Meijer Inc. store at 6405 Beckley Road in Emmett Township and later at the Meijer at 2191 W. Columbia Ave. in Battle Creek.

Officers from both departments obtained photos of the suspect’s car from surveillance tapes but could not find it Sunday.

About noon Monday an off-duty officer who had been working the case saw the car in the area of Beckley Road.

The officer began following the car and saw the driver stop several times and attempt to use an ATM. He didn’t obtain any money and police believed the man might be using stolen credit or debit cards.

The officer called Central Dispatch and several on-duty Battle Creek officers converged and stopped the car on Beckley Road.

The driver, Joshua Gentry, 26, of Battle Creek, did not have a valid license and was arrested.

It was then that he matter-of-factly said his girlfriend, 23, of Marshall, was dead in a nearby motel from a drug overdose.

“It was like it was no big deal,” said Officer Scott Cipcic.

Police went to the motel and learned the couple had only recently checked in and officers went to the room.

Inside they found the girl on the floor and believed she was dead. Moments later they heard her take a breath.

LifeCare Ambulance Service paramedics revived her and told officers they believed she was within minutes of dying.

Police said they found prescription drugs and syringes in the room.

Investigators said they found stolen items in Gentry’s car. On Tuesday he was arraigned in Calhoun County District Court on several charges including larceny from a building for taking the purse.

He faces up to eight years in prison because of his earlier convictions. Police believe he is responsible for several thefts reported in the past year.

Gentry was ordered held on $5,000 bond and is scheduled to appear for a preliminary examination on Jan. 6.

Call Trace Christenson at 966-0685. Follow him on Twitter: @TSChristenson