Man Accused of Stealing $1,400 in Meat and Liquor from Kroger in Shelby Township

Police tracked down and arrested the suspect after he fled the scene in a white Chevrolet Silverado.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 3:07pm

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Nearly $1,400 worth of groceries, including meat and liquor, were stolen from a Kroger supermarket in Shelby Township, Michigan. Police were able to track down the suspect, 46-year-old Kevin A. Willinger of Mt. Clemens, and recover the stolen merchandise after he fled the scene in a white Chevrolet Silverado.

Why it matters

Retail theft is an ongoing issue that costs businesses and consumers billions each year. This incident highlights the importance of effective surveillance, license plate tracking, and quick police response in apprehending suspected thieves and recovering stolen goods.

The details

According to police, the theft occurred on Tuesday at the Kroger store on 26 Mile Road. A man wearing a black hoodie pushed a full cart of merchandise out of the store without paying and sped off in a white Chevrolet Silverado. A Shelby Township Traffic Unit officer heard the call and headed in the direction of the suspect, while a detective reviewed surveillance footage to obtain the license plate number. Police were able to track the vehicle's location using a license plate reader database and make a stop, where they found the stolen goods inside.

  • The incident occurred on Tuesday, January 28, 2026.
  • The suspect, Kevin A. Willinger, was arraigned on Wednesday, January 29, 2026.
  • A probable cause conference is scheduled for February 10, 2026.
  • A preliminary exam is set for February 17, 2026.

The players

Kevin A. Willinger

A 46-year-old man from Mt. Clemens, Michigan, who was arrested and charged with retail fraud-first degree for the theft of nearly $1,400 worth of groceries from a Kroger store in Shelby Township.

Shelby Township Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the reported retail fraud, tracked down the suspect, and recovered the stolen merchandise.

Kroger

The supermarket chain that was the victim of the theft, with nearly $1,400 worth of groceries, including meat and liquor, stolen from their Shelby Township location.

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What’s next

The judge will decide on February 10, 2026, whether to allow Kevin A. Willinger out on bail. A preliminary exam is scheduled for February 17, 2026.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of effective surveillance, license plate tracking, and quick police response in apprehending suspected thieves and recovering stolen goods. Retail theft remains a significant problem that impacts businesses and consumers alike.