Shelby Township, MI – Shelby Township police say a fast-moving retail theft was shut down within minutes after officers used license-plate tracking technology to locate and stop a fleeing suspect tied to a $1,400 shoplifting spree at a local Kroger.
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According to Shelby Township Police, officers were dispatched on January 27, 2026, to the Kroger at 7644 26 Mile Road after a man in a black hoodie pushed a full cart of unpaid merchandise out of the store and took off in a white Chevy Silverado.
A Shelby Township traffic officer in the area immediately began searching for the vehicle while a detective at the store pulled video surveillance. Investigators were able to capture the truck’s license plate number and enter it into the department’s FLOCK automated license plate reader system, which provided real-time direction of travel for the suspect vehicle.
Within seconds, the Silverado was located and stopped by the traffic unit officer.
Police identified the driver as Kevin Willinger of Mount Clemens. During the stop, officers saw stolen merchandise throughout the vehicle. Investigators recovered approximately $1,400 worth of meat and liquor, all of which was returned to Kroger.
Willinger was arrested and charged with Retail Fraud 1st Degree, a felony under Michigan law. Police say he has multiple prior arrests for retail fraud, making the new charge more serious under state sentencing guidelines.
The following day, January 28, 2026, Willinger was arraigned in 41-A District Court before Magistrate Alayan and given a $25,000 cash or surety bond.
Shelby Township Police Chief Robert J. Shelide said the case shows how modern policing and business partnerships are changing how retail crime is handled.
“Our officers and detectives acted swiftly and effectively in this case,” Shelide said. “After the suspect fled with nearly $1,400 worth of stolen merchandise, our officers immediately utilized the FLOCK camera system to track and locate the suspect’s vehicle. Because of the help of FLOCK, the officers were able to quickly coordinate and safely stop and take the suspect into custody.”
Shelide added that Shelby Township will continue working closely with local businesses to target repeat offenders.
“This is a great example of how our officers’ quick decision-making and the use of FLOCK help get this criminal off the streets and out of Shelby Township,” he said.
Kevin Willinger is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
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