The Sterling Heights Police Department Community Response Unit has been investigating a string of business burglaries over the past few weeks.
On December 28, they observed the suspect sitting in a dark colored SUV in a commercial parking lot at 16 Mile Road and Ryan Road. The Community Response Unit then maintained surveillance of the suspect/vehicle while the suspect traveled to another commercial parking lot at 15 Mile Road and Dodge Park Road. The Community Response Unit observed the suspect exit his vehicle in front of 11558 15 Mile Road “Coco Bean Creamery & Café”. The suspect was observed smashing the front glass door of the business and entering the business. The Community Response Unit moved in to arrest the suspect as he was exiting the store. The suspect ignored the commands given by the SHPD officers and jumped into his vehicle. The suspect then used his vehicle to ram his way out of the parking lot, damaging two SHPD police vehicles in the process and nearly running down an officer to get away.
A pursuit of the suspect vehicle continued eastbound on 15 Mile Road where the suspect entered the sink hole construction area near Hayes Road. There was a civilian security detail blocking the roadway at that location while construction personnel worked in the area. The suspect vehicle struck a civilian vehicle that was parked on 15 Mile Road to block the construction area; the civilian vehicle was occupied by security personnel at the time. The suspect vehicle then came to rest nearby where it hit a fire hydrant and the suspect jumped out of the vehicle and fled on foot. The SHPD Officers were able to tackle the suspect at that point who then fought with officers who were affecting the arrest.
The suspect was taken into custody and he will be arraigned on the listed criminal charges at the 41 A District in Sterling Heights (at a later date). The security guard in this matter was taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention and is expected to recover from his injuries. The suspect has a lengthy criminal history and multiple arrests for burglary.
Special attention is given to the Community Response Unit at SHPD who did an outstanding job in apprehending this criminal who is connected to several commercial burglaries in our city.
For more information, contact Lt. James Belmonte at 586-446-2804.