When Det. Kirk Matich heard someone cutting down trees behind Clarkston Junior High School, he knew something was wrong.
‘The school wasn’t planning to cut down trees,? said Matich, Oakland County Sheriff’s liaison officer to the junior high, as well as Clarkston’s elementaries and Sashabaw Middle School. ‘The subjects were clearing an area to grow marijuana plants.?
Seeing several plants at the feet of the two teenagers, 18-year-old Greg Plants and a 16-year-old juvenile, both of Independence Township, he told them to stay still as he called for help.
‘But they ran,? Matich said.
Deputies, including a K-9 and helicopter unit, pursued the youth through the woods into ‘Birdland? subdivisions, south of the school.
Clarkston Police Chief Dale LaCroix heard the call on the radio and drove out to help.
‘I spotted them cutting through houses so I headed them off at the pass,? LaCroix said.
Deputies in pursuit closed in and made the arrest.
‘I asked them, why did you run? You knew you weren’t going to get away,? Matich said.
Deputies recovered 32 marijuana plants, all about 18 inches high.
A search warrant on Plants? residence ? he was living at the 16-year-old’s house ? revealed about $3,000 in stolen computers, video equipment, and other property.
Plants, also convicted of car theft this past May, was charged with delivery and manufacture of marijuana, a 7-year felony, resisting and obstructing police, and possession of marijuana on school property.
‘Clarkston Community Schools is working in full cooperation with Oakland County law officials regarding this issue,? said Clarkston Superintendent Dr. Al Roberts. ‘We have a zero tolerance policy against anyone who violates the Drug Free School Zone law and we will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.?
School safety is a top priority for the district, Roberts said.
‘While school was not in session and the two individuals involved were not Clarkston students, I am extremely thankful that this situation was uncovered and is being handled by police authorities,? he said.
Plants also faces charges for failing to appear at his car-theft sentencing. Bonds total $30,000. His next hearing is set for Aug. 28, according to 52-2 District Court.
The 16-year-old was released to his mother. He is being charged as a juvenile through probate court, police said.