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Justen Bechamp’s quick thinking recently helped police capture a man accused of allegedly stabbing two people.

Excerpt from the news article by Jameson Cook at the Macomb Daily:

Justen Bechamp, a driver for Petitpren Inc. in Clinton Township, was driving May 17 when his dog-sitter called him and informed him she was on lockdown at a local school due to a suspect who stabbed two people in Roseville and St. Clair Shores, one of them fatally, Petitpren officials said in a news release. She gave him the vehicle description and told him to keep an eye out for a dark-colored Chevrolet HHR.

Minutes later, Bechamp pulled into an alley behind Hot Shots Bar & Music Café in Warren and spotted the suspect vehicle. For a second, he said he considered it could be a coincidence but quickly changed his mind, went inside, told the bartender to lock the doors and call 911. The suspect, Shane Burns, was arrested by Warren police minutes later.

“It was unreal, but I’m glad I was able to do my part and stop this person from doing more harm in our community,” Bechamp said in the release.

St. Clair Shores Mayor Kip Walby called Bechamp to thank him for his actions. Walby said he breathed a sigh of relief when Burns was caught and called Thompson to praise Bechamp’s quick thinking that led to the arrest.

“It was such a huge relief to hear this person was caught so he couldn’t hurt anyone else,” Walby said. “Being a beer distributor and being in restaurants and bars throughout the county, they have boots on the ground and can be the eyes and ears for the rest of us and try to assist police.

“I wanted Jamey to know how much I appreciated the fact Justen took the initiative to make that potentially life-saving call. Without people like Justen serving as the eyes and ears of our community, I don’t want to think about what else could have happened.”

Bechamp’s employer praised his efforts.

“We’re extremely proud of Justen for going above and beyond to serve his community while on the job at Petitpren Inc.,” said Jamey Thompson, Petitpren vice president and general manager. “His efforts helped the police apprehend the suspect quickly and prevent anyone else from being harmed. The incident is an example of Petitpren’s strong connections in the communities we proudly serve.”

Thompson said the day’s events underscore what Petitpren is all about – giving back to the communities they serve – even in ways unimagined. Bechamp is one of 86 full-time and 79 part-time employees at Petitpren, which deploys 175 trucks, according to its web site.

“We’re great at delivering beer and serving our customers but we also pride ourselves on being good stewards in our communities,” Thompson said. “Of course, it’s not every day we’re stopping crime sprees.”

Read the full article from the Macomb Daily here.

Back to school gear supplied to more than 100 children receiving domestic violence services

MT. CLEMENS, Mich. — More than 100 children receiving domestic violence services through Turning Point Macomb have brand new backpacks and fresh school supplies for the new school year thanks to donations from Petitpren Inc., a Macomb County beer distributor, and the Macomb Family YMCA.

“I can’t thank Petitpren Inc. and the Macomb Family YMCA enough for these generous donations,” said Karan Bates-Gasior, development director at Turning Point Macomb. “The children utilizing  our services have faced intense trauma and seeing the excitement on their faces when they receive something as simple as a new backpack makes me smile and gives the children a small sense of normalcy during an incredibly difficult time.”

Turning Point Macomb helps survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault by providing a 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter, counseling, sexual assault exams, personal protection orders, community education and housing. The organization’s mission is to eliminate violence as a means of oppressing others.

“We have proudly supported Turning Point Macomb for decades and our team was more than happy to step up and help out these children start the school year off right,” said J.R. Roskopp, HR and government affairs director at Petitpren Inc. “Michigan’s beer distributors are leaders in charitable giving and providing students with new backpacks and school supplies is just one more way we can lend a helping hand in the communities we serve.”

Petitpren Inc.’s relationship with Turning Point Macomb dates back 40 years. Every year, employees at the wholesaler donate money — which is matched by the owners of Petitpren Inc. — at Christmas to help several families have a happier holiday. The wholesaler and its employees have donated an estimated $200,000 to nearly 300 families over those four decades.

“Throughout the month of August, the Macomb Family YMCA accepted backpacks and school supply donations from new and existing members and their generosity was overwhelming,” said Steve Krankota, Macomb Family YMCA executive director. “Our mission is to build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all, and this effort by our members shows what happens when a community comes together for the common good.”

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About Petitpren Inc.

Petitpren Inc. is family owned beer distributor located in Clinton Township proudly employing more than 100 people and servicing bars, restaurants and retailers throughout Macomb and Wayne Counties.

About the Macomb Family YMCA

The Y is an inclusive organization of men, women and children joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. For over 168 years, the YMCA has served the Metro Detroit region where children and families can grow.

Michigan’s beer and wine distributors provide an essential service to ensure retailers big and small across the state are well-stocked with alcoholic beverages, pop, water and juice.

Under Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order, Michigan’s beer and wine distributors have been deemed an essential business.

To keep our employees and retail customers safe, we are following protocols and procedures outlined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) including social distancing, hand washing and cleaning and disinfecting equipment. We have also scaled back non-essential workers, allowing those who can work remotely to do so.

Employees are limiting time in stores and use personal protective equipment when they are in stores. Retailers are also encouraged to place larger orders to reduce the number of visits from distributors.

Michigan’s beer and wine distributors are proud to provide essential services to retailers throughout the state during this crisis and will continue to put the health and safety of their employees, retail accounts and customers first.