DETROIT (WWJ) - Thieves left behind a massive hole in the side of a building on Detroit’s east side after they struck what appears to be a marijuana grow operation, WWJ’s Charlie Langton reports.
"I'm not sure if it's legal or an illegal marijuana grow operation, but what I can say though, it is definitely a grow operation and I can also say it is a smash and grab," Langton said at the scene along Houston-Whittier.
According to Langton, the theft occurred sometime in the morning hours when a red Chevrolet Avalanche rammed into the side of the unmarked building, scattering mortar and brick, and thieves took a number of marijuana pots.
"The owner actually is on the scene," Langton said. "I did talk with her. She wouldn't go on a tape here, but nevertheless, she is working with the cops. She says there is marijuana in there. but it's for personal use."
Area resident John Murphy called the incident "crazy" and doesn't understand why pot operations have been increasingly targeted.
"It's crazy. Don't nobody never do nothing on this block. We got a calm block." Murphy said. "If you get caught on here doing something, you ain't got no business because you've done something somewhere else and they finally caught you on Houston-Whittier. So that's the only time we have drama over here. Other than that, we don't have no drama."
Langton said the cops are familiar with the area and was just investigating another smash-and-grab from last week where plants were stolen from an illegal marijuana grow operation.
Police are continuing to investigating the theft from Tuesday morning. No suspect details or additional information about the case have been released.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned to WWJ LIVE for the latest updates.