Warren police arrested five people Monday on suspicion of attempting to steal half a dozen Dodge Durangos from a store.
The value of the vehicles and damaged property was estimated at around $500,000, according to a police press release.
Investigators are trying to determine whether the incident is connected to other car thefts in recent months.
Police responded to a call to Ground Effects Automotive, 1990 Concept Drive, around 6:30 a.m. Monday about a group of suspicious individuals. The caller told police the group was in the rear parking lot near several new Dodge products.
When officers arrived, they found someone in a new Dodge Durango attempting to break down the security gate to escape the store. According to the release, someone in a second new Durango also attempted to break down the security gate.
Both vehicles were disabled, police said. Several suspects got out and ran in different directions. After a short chase and a search of the area, police arrested five people. Another suspect could not be found.
Four of those arrested are minors – two aged 16 and two aged 17 – and one 24-year-old. All are from Detroit. Police did not identify the suspects by gender or name. The Macomb County District Attorney’s Office will decide whether to file charges.
According to police, the group deliberately stole and attempted to steal six new Durangos, including five SRT models. All vehicles were confiscated. Dodge belongs to Stellantis, one of the three Detroit automakers.
Warren police and the Macomb Auto Theft Task Force are investigating. Anyone with information is asked to call 586-574-4713 or email the investigator at [email protected].
Contact Christina Hall: [email protected]. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @challreporter.
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