State Police Investigating Complaint About Auto Repair

EATON RAPIDS TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WLNS) — Amber Rochester was in need – her 2011 Equinox needed a serious repair involving welding on the frame and undercarriage. Without it, the car would have been too dangerous to drive on the road.

On the advice of a friend, she struck a deal with Joshawa Vergason, of Rick’s Portable Welding in Eaton Rapids Township. She dropped off the car on Oct. 29 and paid him $300 in cash.

(WLNS)

“So he still has my car. It’s been almost seven weeks and he won’t answer any of my phone calls or texts,” Rochester told 6 News. “And now I’m just sitting here. I’m… I don’t have a car or any money and I don’t know what else to do.

Rochester shared his text messages with 6 News.

The 6 News investigative team stopped by the welding shop on Bunker Highway this evening. Vergason arrived just as the team was preparing.

We asked him about the Rochester car.

“All you’re going to do is make me more famous.” I’m doing her a favor and she’s going to be happy and you’re going to feel like an idiot,” Vergason said.

Vergason was the subject of a three-week manhunt by law enforcement in 2019 when he fled while they attempted to arrest him on a warrant. His flight from justice attracted media attention at the time, including 6 News.

Eaton Rapids suspect arrested after three-week pursuit

Eaton County District Court records show he is currently facing charges of domestic violence and driving with a suspended license and is due in court in late January.

While our recording was drowned out by the muffler of his old Lincoln, he said he would finish the job. When asked when the work would be completed, Vergason told 6 News it was none of our business.

Rochester filed a complaint with the Michigan State Police who told him that Vergason did not return their phone calls this evening and that they are currently reviewing the situation for possible criminal charges.

but Rochester says the criminal investigation is secondary.

“I want my car back and I want my money back. I want my car key back,” she said.

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