Peanuts could help crack Lincoln Park van theft case - KMSP-TV

Robin Schwartz
Fox 2 News Reporter

WESTLAND, Mich. (WJBK) -- Peanuts could help crack the case after a woman's van was stolen in Lincoln Park.  The search is on for the thief or thieves, but, so far, it's the victim who's done the detective work.

Patricia Menzel is fired up.  First her van was stolen out of her driveway in Lincoln Park, then it was recovered a week later in Westland.

"During that time, they put hundreds of miles on my van.  They have destroyed the inside.  They have punched out the key, locks," she said.

The thief or thieves did some serious snacking.  Menzel found bags of peanuts that were left behind and a receipt, which led her to Joe Randdazzo's in Westland.

"It took the manager an hour and a half to locate the camera and the time and the date, but we got a video," Menzel said.

It shows a possible suspect holding those peanut bags.  Great detective work.  Menzel tried to take all the evidence back to police.

"Lincoln Park says it's Westland's job.  Westland Police say it's Lincoln Park (Police's) job.  I got nowhere to turn," she explained.  "I called Fox 2.  You, in turn, thank you very much, called the Lincoln Park Police last night."

"Now they want to get the information.  Now, after we did it, they want the video."

Meanwhile, she found even more evidence that was left behind.

"I found another receipt for a McDonald's in Westland, and you can bet I will see if I can get any more video of my famous peanut man."

Menzel said all she really wants is her van to be fixed, some cooperation from police and for whoever is responsible to be caught.

If you have any information, call Lincoln Park Police.