DEARBORN (WWJ) – Two men are facing charges after a rash of steering wheel thefts in Dearborn.
Montazer Al-Huchaimy and Ali Alwatan were arrested on Aug. 18 after an investigation led police to them, following a rise in airbag and steering wheel thefts across Metro Detroit.
Dearborn police officials say around 3 a.m. last Thursday they spotted the suspects smashing the window of a Chevy Malibu – one of the most common targets for thieves during this recent spike in thefts – in the parking lot of a Holiday Inn on Mercury Drive.
After police saw the men remove the steering wheel from the car, the suspects led officers on a high-speed chase, ending with their arrest.
Ultimately, police recovered one stolen vehicle and 33 stolen airbags and steering wheels.
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Al-Huchaimy and Alwatan were arraigned Sunday on multiple charges, including fleeing and eluding police, larceny from a motor vehicle, receiving and concealing stolen property and assaulting a police officer.
Al-Huchaimy was given a $100,000 bond or 10% and ordered to wear a GPS tether. Alwatan, meanwhile, received a $75,000 cash bond and was also ordered to wear a GPS tether.
Their next court date is scheduled for Sept. 2.
“Vehicle thefts cause great pain and disruption to our residents’ lives and livelihoods,” Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin said. “That’s why the Dearborn Police Department takes these alleged crimes very seriously. I am proud of the work of our officers to thoroughly investigate and ultimately apprehend two individuals in connection with this rash of thefts across Metro Detroit.”
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