OAKLAND COUNTY (WWJ) - An unlikely clue led to the arrest of a Flint man who allegedly stole hundreds of dollars from a fundraising event for a disabled children's charity in Oakland County earlier this month, authorities said.
The Waterford Township Police Department announced they had apprehended John Allen Rowell, 41, on Monday evening at a Flint area motel almost two weeks after the alleged theft in Waterford Township.
According to the department, Rowell visited the Century Bowl at 7345 Highland Road in Waterford Township on Saturday, Jan. 6, the same time that the Miracle League of Oakland County was holding a fundraiser.
"'The Miracle League'" is a charitable organization that provides children with disabilities an opportunity to play baseball as a team member in an organized league," police said. "The Miracle League gives these individuals the opportunity to get out in the sunshine, and enjoy playing the game of baseball in its purest form."
Police said event organizers had put roughly $300 cash and a check for the amount of $210 in a brown bag at the registration table when Rowell allegedly swiped the bag and left the bowling alley before anyone knew something was wrong.
When the theft was discovered, police said a hotel key left behind at the scene as well as video surveillance footage helped them identify Rowell, who is an absconder from the Michigan Department of Corrections and was also being sought by Michigan State Police in connection with another robbery.
On Monday, Jan. 16, Rowell was tracked to a motel in Flint by detectives from the Waterford Police Special Operations Unit and taken into custody with assistance from White Lake Township Police, Flint Township Police and state troopers.
Police said Rowell briefly tried to flee the scene, but was apprehended. He then allegedly gave detectives a full confession to the crime and the brown bank bag was recovered from his motel room.
The 41-year-old suspect was lodged at the Oakland County Jail. Charges are pending the Oakland County Prosecutor's review of the case.
No other details were released.