Alleged GPS Theft in Royal Oak Leads to Arrest

A 35-year-old Royal Oak man is facing criminal charges after he was arrested by Royal Oak police on Sunday for allegedly trying to steal a portable GPS unit.

Police responded to a scene in which a suspect, later identified as Todd Francis Prunkard, was observed leaning into a vehicle parked in the 1800 block of Westgate Avenue. During the investigation, a portable GPS unit was observed in the pocket of Prunkard's jacket and police determined he had just stolen it from the vehicle, according to a police report.

Prunkard faces one count of larceny from a motor vehicle.

Police say officers responded to a to call earlier from a man saying that someone was in his cargo van. 

"When officers arrived they found  the van empty and undamaged. Officers then proceeded on foot to the rear lot of the apartment complex and started checking other parked vehicles," the report states. 

While checking the parking lot, the officers heard a noise and spotted Prunkard, police say. 

Prunkard was arraigned before the Judge Terrence Brennan of the 44th District Court Monday. Bond was set at $15,000 The preliminary exam is set for 9 a.m. Nov. 1.