Oakland County Sheriff’s deputies arrested two Oxford Township brothers who are suspected in numerous chainsaw and motorboat thefts across southern Lapeer and northern Oakland counties.
Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Det. Jason Louwaert, reported that Lawrence Carlson, 23, and Philip Carlson, 25, were taken into custody after being charged with breaking and entering and larceny Oct. 29. The arrests came after members of the agency’s Fugitive Apprehension Team (FAT) saw them break into a garage on Jossman Road in Groveland Township and a commercial vehicle outside a home in nearby Ortonville.
The brothers are also charged with first degree home invasion.
Louwaert also stated the pair had three stolen chainsaws worth $1,500 in their possession at the time of their arrest.
They are suspects in nearly 20 burglaries of chainsaws and lawn maintenance equipment around Oakland County, and eight in southern Lapeer County.
Louwaert stated they are also suspected in other burglaries around Oxford.
According to police reports, homes in Lapeer, Hadley, Metamora, Attica and Dryden have also been targeted.
At their preliminary hearing on Nov. 11, the brothers waived their right to a preliminary exam, and the case was bound over to circuit court.
They are scheduled to appear in circuit court at 1 p.m., Nov. 19.
The brothers are currently in the Oakland County Jail in lieu of a $25,000 bond after being arraigned at 52-2 District Court in Clarkston.
Lawrence was already out on bond after previously being arraigned at the 52-3 District Court in Rochester Hills on first degree home invasion charges.
If convicted, they could face up to 15 years in prison.
Louwaert said he is still conducting his investigation.