BATTLE CREEK, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – City of Battle Creek officials have filed their first civil forfeiture lawsuit under the city’s updated public nuisance ordinance, they say proving that doing burnouts next to gas pumps is a fast way to lose a brand-new car.
According to a new release from the city, June 14, 2026, at 7:30 a.m. “Jaylone Porter decided the parking lot of the West Columbia Avenue Meijer was the right time and place to spin his tires. In full view of a Battle Creek patrol officer, Porter used a 2024 Ford Mustang to perform donuts and lay down rubber mere feet from active fuel pumps in a bid for social media views.” The vehicle had been purchased only days earlier.
When officers approached the vehicle, Porter reportedly acknowledged he’d been caught, saying, “I just woke up and felt like spinning ’em.” He added that he “need[ed] a flick for [his] gram” to boost his livestream, exclaiming, “This is so cool! I’m locked up!” and calculating that an arrest picture alone would net him “at least 100 viewers.”
Porter later stated that he was “not getting caught again” and suggested finding another location where he could continue spinning his vehicle.
The city says he also candidly noted that the arrest scrambled his evening schedule, as he had first-date plans in Ohio later that night and would now need to secure a rental or borrow his dad’s car.
“We appreciate Mr. Porter’s candor and cooperation throughout the investigation,” said Battle Creek Police Chief Shannon Bagley. “However, his own statements demonstrated that he understood exactly why officers had intervened. When someone talks about not getting caught again and immediately begins looking for another place to do the same thing, it underscores why accountability matters.”
“Since Mr. Porter was looking for views, we’re happy to lend our platform to turn this incident into a public safety campaign,” said Bill Kim, city attorney.
“Our message is simple: enjoy your vehicle, but do so responsibly. When someone’s actions put other people at risk, the city will act to protect public safety.”
Under Chapter 652 of the city code, Battle Creek is asking the Court to forfeit the vehicle for reckless driving.
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