Woman accused of stealing flowers from Eastpointe gardening store

EASTPOINTE — Police said they found an abandoned vehicle full of stolen flowers near a gardening store — and the suspect hiding nearby — in what has been yet another alleged larceny at the same location.

The incident occurred at around 3:30 a.m. June 3. Officers were dispatched to English Gardens, located at 22501 Kelly Road in Eastpointe, on a report of a larceny in progress. The caller reportedly saw a woman steal flowers and stash them in the back of a black sedan.

Upon arrival, police found the vehicle parked near the business. Multiple flowers and plants were found inside, but no driver.

Police continued to search the premises and reportedly located the suspect near the main door of the business. She allegedly provided a false name to officers when asked to identify herself.

Police then contacted the witness, who positively identified the person as the culprit. When she was told she was under arrest, the suspect reportedly tried to resist by pulling away from officers multiple times. Despite the reported struggle, she was taken into custody. Her vehicle was then impounded.

The recovered merchandise was valued at $530.

The suspect is Joan Johns, 58, of St. Clair Shores. At press time, she did not yet have an attorney appointed, per court records. The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office has charged Johns with one count of larceny in the amount of $200-$1,000, and two counts of resisting and obstructing police.

She was arraigned on the charges in 38th District Court in Eastpointe on June 4, with her bond set at $7,500 cash or surety, or 10%.

Eastpointe Police Lt. Alexander Holish said this latest incident appears unrelated to a similar crime that occurred at the same location the night of May 19.

During that incident, three unknown men arrived in a black Ford F-150 pickup truck and loaded up the truck bed with numerous flowerpots before fleeing the scene.

Later that morning, they allegedly returned, jumped the fence and stole clay pots along with other miscellaneous gardening items.

“We do not believe they’re related, since the suspects in that crime drove a pickup truck and were three males. Here, we had a sedan and the suspect is female,” Holish said via email. “The store is probably targeted because they leave flowers and plants outside at night. It’s also easy to reach over the fence and grab them.”

He said that he is thankful for the residents of Eastpointe who do not hesitate to call police when they witness a crime.

“Citizens are often the eyes and ears of the Police Department, and can be instrumental in our ability to solve the crime,” Holish said.

He added that if anyone observes anything suspicious, they should report it by calling Eastpointe police at (586) 777-6700. If it’s a life-threatening emergency, call 911.