Police Briefs: Golf Carts Turned Into Bumper Cars in Joyride at Hartland-Area Course

Two golf carts apparently were used as bumper cars during a joyride on in Oceola Township, according to the Livingston County Sheriff's Department.

The rain-soaked carts were found on the 10th hole and sustained about $400 in damage, including black marks and scratches. One had bark and pine sap on it. They had been taken from a mostly fenced-in storage area and removed from a cable that ties them all together. A glass beer bottle also was found in the area.

The incident occurred sometime between 4:30 p.m. Nov. 8 and 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 9. There were no suspects.

Howell man accused of stealing from Walmart, Meijer in Hartland

A 26-year-old Howell man who served in the National Guard faces possible retail fraud charges for multiple incidents at and stores in Hartland.

In one case, police said the man purchased a $50 knife from Walmart and then exchanged it Nov. 12 for a knife he had bought at the Brighton Meijer for $10.

During the course of the investigation, a Meijer security officer at the Hartland store accused the man of stealing two knives, a rangefinder, backpack and a Red Bull on two separate occasions in September. The security officer said he was observed pretending to pay for the items in the self-scan lanes and left. The items were worth more than $250.

Police said the man admitted to the crimes and told them he was unemployed and stole to "make ends meet."

The cases have been submitted to the Livingston County prosecutor's office for review.

Robotic device swiped from truck in Deerfield Township

A $4,000 handheld robotic control device has been reported stolen from a Deerfield Township's man truck at his home in the 7000 block of Driftwood Drive, according to the Livingston County Sheriff's Department.

The 59-year-old said he may have accidentally popped the trunk open when locking the vehicle. The theft occurred sometime between 11 p.m. Nov. 18 and 8 a.m. Nov. 19. The device was owned by Clinton Township office for the Servo Group, a servo, hydraulic and electronic repair company.

For questions about these briefs, email chris.machniak@patch.com.