Troy, MI – The Troy Police Department reported that a pair from Flint is facing charges related to drug paraphernalia possession and an attempted theft of copper piping at the former Kmart headquarters in Troy during its demolition. The incident unfolded around 10:30 a.m. on October 1, catching the attention of vigilant officers while on patrol.
The officers discovered that a portion of the perimeter fence surrounding the former Kmart headquarters at 3100 W. Big Beaver Road had been knocked over, raising suspicions. Upon further investigation, the police observed a vehicle parked beneath the parking deck and heard the sounds of banging and power tools emanating from inside the building. Their quick response led to the apprehension of the pair who were attempting to steal copper piping from the site. The demolition of the complex had commenced in September.
Both individuals were taken into custody and transported to the Troy police lock-up facility. The 52-year-old woman, who was reportedly carrying a black leather fanny pack containing crystal methamphetamine, two crack pipes, and a small rock of crack cocaine, is facing charges of breaking and entering a building with intent and possession of less than 25 grams of cocaine, heroin, or another narcotic. Her male counterpart, a 53-year-old man, has been charged with breaking and entering a building with intent and possession of burglar’s tools.
This incident comes on the heels of the city of Troy’s announcement that it had received a demolition permit application for the property and was in collaboration with the contractor to facilitate the demolition of the vast complex. The former Kmart headquarters, once a bustling hub, had been vacant for over 15 years, with the retail giant closing its last store in Michigan in 2021. Kmart had relocated from its former Detroit headquarters to the Troy campus in 1972, eventually merging with Sears and moving its headquarters to Chicago in 2006. This recent event underscores the challenges and security issues faced during the site’s ongoing demolition and transformation.
