STERLING HEIGHTS (WWJ) -- Sterling Heights police are searching for suspects wanted in connection with multiple burglaries and attempted burglaries in multiple communities.
Early Friday morning, officers were called to a breaking and entering at the Arby's on Van Dyke Ave., near 17 Mile Rd.
Sterling Heights Police Captain Mario Bastenelli said the suspects spotted the officers and drove away in a black Dodge Durango. Police chased them, but had to end the pursuit because it was too dangerous, with the suspects speeding and running red lights, "doing anything possible to try to get away," Bastenelli said.
Bastenelli said at least 25 other places around Detroit have reported similar incidents, including gas stations, fast food and other restaurants.
"I think they're just, you know, looking for the opportunity and maybe a lot of places that use, obviously, cash transactions, so there's gas available," Bastenelli told WWJ Newsradio 950's Taylor Dietz. "Their M-O is going in and stealing the cash register and stealing whatever's inside of it... They'll smash a window, they'll go inside, smash a door, go inside, and they'll steal whatever they can."
Bastenelli said several cities are now working together to find the same suspects.
"Officers were made aware that there was a bunch of breaking and enterings at business in the area surrounding our city. Shelby Township and Troy had a bunch, and they were given a vehicle description that was a match that was a Dodge Durango," Bastenelli said.
"So, out officers ended up seeing this vehicle outside the Shell gas station, which is a closed business," he said. "They pulled up on the vehicle and then ultimately scared off the suspects that were inside doing an active breaking and entering there, and they were trying to steal the cash register."
Police departments in Birmingham, Royal Oak, Bloomfield Township and Auburn Hills are also among those investigating.
Police have not released any further description of the suspects.