ASH TOWNSHIP (WWJ) - At least one person was taken into custody after police say two suspects tag-teamed to steal heavy duty machinery and led authorities on a chase before wrecking Downriver.
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office said deputies were first alerted to the theft around 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday after dispatch received a report that a white F-250 pickup truck hauling a skid steer had been stolen.
The witness told police they were currently following the suspects at the time of the call.
The sheriff's office said Chief Darrin Wright and Sergeant William Mittlestat of the South Rockwood Police Department were able to find the vehicle heading eastbound on Carleton Rockwood Road, but the driver did not stop when the officers tried to pull the vehicle over.
Instead, the driver began to speed to get away from police, heading southbound I-75 through Berlin and Frenchtown Townships as well into the City of Monroe, the sheriff's office added.
"Stop sticks were deployed, puncturing the truck and trailer tires," authorities said. "The vehicle continued southbound for a short period before losing control and crashing into the median barrier. Two suspects exited the truck and fled on foot while officers pursued."
One suspect was immediately arrested while the second suspect was able to flee from police. Officers pursued the suspect into an industrial area along Front Street within Monroe city limits.
Authorities said a large scale search was executed with help from a number of officers and troopers from across the area and "utilizing a drone and K9 tracking service dogs."
As police scoured the area, dispatch was notified that the suspect allegedly stole another vehicle from a DTE employee parking lot.
"The vehicle was located turning onto northbound I-75 from Front Street and a second pursuit was initiated," the sheriff's officer said. "Deputies and officers pursued the suspect northbound on I-75 through Monroe County and into the Detroit City Limits where deputies lost sight of the vehicle."
Police are now searching for the suspect, who remains at large into Wednesday afternoon.
The suspect caught by police was identified as a 34-year-old River Rouge man. He was taken to the Monroe County Jail on charges of larceny, receiving and concealing stolen property and fleeing and eluding.
His name is being withheld until his arraignment in 1st District Court.
The Monroe County Sheriff's Officer said they received help from multiple departments, including authorities from the Michigan State Police, Michigan State Police Motor Carrier Division, City of Monroe Police Department, Erie Township Police Department, Michigan Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officers, South Rockwood Police Department and the Village of Dundee Police Department Drone Team.
Police are still conducting an investigation into the incident. Anyone with information as been asked to contact the Monroe County Sheriff's Office Detective Bureau at 734-240-7530.
Tipsters who wish to remain 100% anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-773-2587 or make online submissions here.