Attempted Vehicle Theft Leads to Arrest in Clare County

On Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at approximately 11:14 a.m., the Clare County Central Dispatch received a report of a male attempting to gain entry into a vehicle parked at the Freeman Township Hall, located at 7280 W. Mannsiding Road in Freeman Township, Clare County. The suspect reportedly left the area on foot before deputies arrived.

A deputy with the Clare County Sheriff's Office responded to the area and located Jason Russell Spierling, 39, of Alger, a short distance from the township hall. Spierling matched the description provided by the reporting party of the individual who had attempted to break into a green 2024 Chevrolet Trax.

During the investigation, Spierling admitted to using a large rock in an attempt to break a window of the vehicle to gain access and steal it.

As the investigation continued, Spierling also admitted to previously stealing a purple 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer from a business in Wexford County. He told deputies he drove the vehicle into Clare County before it ran out of fuel and provided the location where he abandoned it.

Spierling was arrested and lodged at the Clare County Jail. He has been charged with:

• One count of Receiving and Concealing a Stolen Motor Vehicle;
• One count of Attempted Unlawful Driving Away of a Motor Vehicle; and
• One count of Malicious Destruction of Personal Property ($200 or more).

Spierling was arraigned in the 80th District Court in Clare County, where bond was set at $15,000 cash/surety with the option to post 10 percent.