Man arrested in theft of Salvation Army kettle

FARMINGTON HILLS (AP) - A 29-year-old Redford Township man has been arrested after a Salvation Army donation kettle was swiped from outside an Oakland County pharmacy.

Farmington Hills police say Eric Heineman was arraigned Sunday on larceny and heroin possession charges.

The red kettle and stand were set up outside a Walgreens in Farmington Hills. They were taken last Friday afternoon when a volunteer bell ringer manning the kettle went inside the store.

Police say the stand was found nearby, but not the kettle.

Members of the Farmington Hills Police Department raised $248 and an anonymous donor chipped in $300 to make up for the stolen money.

A tip led police to Heineman who was ordered held on a $5,500 bond. He next court date is Wednesday.

Published: Tue, Dec 15, 2015