Deputies searching for vacuum salesman

ST JOSEPH COUNTY, MICHIGAN -- St. Joseph County, Michigan deputies are searching for a man accused of stealing credit cards and money from a residence where he was demonstrating a vacuum cleaner.

According to the victim, two men drove up to the house on Filmore Road in Sturgis driving a red, smaller SUV/crossover type vehicle Friday between 1:30 and 2 p.m.

One of the men got out  and went to the door of the home. When the victim answered the door, the man handed the victim a can of Glade air freshener and said he wanted to demonstrate his Kirby vacuum cleaner, reports said.

The victim allowed the man inside and the other man drove away and said he would return to pick the demonstrator up.

While inside the home, the demonstrator asked to use the restroom. He walked down the hall and grabbed the victim’s purse and took it into the bathroom, reports said.

The man then took the victim’s social security card, two credit cards and $200-$300 in cash from the purse, reports said.

The man then returned from the restroom and completed the demonstration.

The driver returned after the demonstrator called him to pick him up and the two men left.

The demonstrator told the victim he was from the South Bend area.

Reports indicate the victim did not purchase a vacuum.

The demonstrator was described as a black male in his 20s, thin build, average height with black short hair and dark clothes. The driver was described as a white male, young and slim.

If you have any information about either suspect, contact the sheriff’s office at 269-467-9045 extension 307.