Madison Heights

Fleeing suspects hurt two during getaway

By Andy Kozlowski
C & G Staff Writer

MADISON HEIGHTS — One suspect is in custody and two innocent civilians are seriously injured after a botched jewel heist turned into a car chase that ended in a crash Monday, Jan. 7.

The chase then continued on foot, and at press time, one suspect was still on the run.

“The last I talked to a family member (of the victims), both victims were in critical condition,” said Madison Heights Police Lt. Corey Haines.

The incident occurred early in the afternoon. Two men entered the Jared Jewelers at 451 W. 14 Mile. When asked by an employee what they were looking for, one suspect — a 19-year-old resident of Lima, Ohio, now in custody, and not arraigned at press time — sprayed the employee in the face with pepper spray. He also sprayed a second employee close by.

While the employees, now OK, were temporarily blinded, the suspects each used hammers to try and break open different cases, one containing men’s jewelry, the other containing women’s. They did extensive damage, but failed to steal anything.

They fled in a 2007 Dodge Caravan — one stolen from a 38-year-old Warren woman out of the 32000 block of John R the evening of Jan. 6.

The employees called police and described the suspects and their getaway vehicle. While en route to the store, officers saw a vehicle matching the description traveling southbound on John R, south of Whitcomb.

As they drew closer, the possible suspect vehicle crashed into the driver’s side of a red 2009 Chevy Impala traveling eastbound on 13 Mile and turning south onto John R. The two occupants of the vehicle were severely hurt and transported to Royal Oak Beaumont Hospital.

The suspects abandoned their vehicle and ran away on foot. One suspect was spotted crossing John R on foot near LaSalle, the first block south of 13 Mile. Officers pursued him on foot and captured him in a nearby parking lot.

Once captured, the suspect didn’t resist any further, and was taken to the police station without incident.

The search continues for the man’s accomplice.

He is described as a black man standing 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing about 175 pounds, and possibly in his 20s. He was last seen wearing a red hoodie, a black jacket and black shoes with red laces. The suspect is also said to have what appeared to be bad acne.

“We’re still attempting to track down some leads on the second suspect,” Haines said. “The investigation is ongoing.”

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at akozlowski@candgnews.com or at (586)279-1104.