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 parkinglot at 16 Mile Road and Ryan Road. The Community Response Unit then
maintained surveillance of the suspect/vehicle while the suspect traveled toanother commercial parking lot at 15 Mile Road and Dodge Park Road. The
Community Response Unit observed the suspect exit his vehicle in front of 1155815 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 SHPDofficers 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 processand nearly running down an officer to get away.
A pursuit of the
suspect vehicle continued eastbound on 15 Mile Road where the suspect enteredthe sink hole construction area near Hayes Road. There was a civilian security
detail blocking the roadway at that location while construction personnelworked in the area. The suspect vehicle struck a civilian vehicle that
was parked on 15 Mile Road to block the construction area; the civilian vehiclewas occupied by security personnel at the time. The suspect vehicle then
came to rest nearby where it hit a fire hydrant and the suspectjumped 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 wereaffecting 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 alater 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 atSHPD 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.