Off-duty detective nabs theft suspects

Detective Lt. Michael McGinnis stops 3 men in shoplifting case

Chester County Detective Lt. Michael McGinnis helped catch three alleged shoplifters, during his day off.

EAST WHITELAND >> Chester County Detective Lt. Michael McGinnis was on his day off shopping at Home Depot in East Whiteland when store employees ran past, chasing a number of men who had taken power tools without paying. It was shortly before 4 p.m. Monday, and just like that McGinnis was on the case. He followed the suspects out to the parking lot as they got into a Mercedes 320 SUV and raced off.

McGinnis quickly notified police via county radio and followed them in his car. Working with East and West Whiteland officers, the detective stopped the car just two miles away at Queen Drive and King Road. Officers arrested two men in the Mercedes; a third man ran off into a nearby development. He was later caught a few blocks away with the aid of fellow officers in unmarked cars. Willistown police also assisted at the scene.

PETE BANNAN – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Following a short chase, police arrested three men on suspicion of stealing power tools from the Home Depot in East Whiteland.

PETE BANNAN – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA These power tools were allegedly found in the suspects’ vehicle.