WASHINGTON TWP. (WWJ) — Three Detroit men are facing charges linked to an auto theft ring after police caught them trying to steal an SUV from a Northern Macomb County dealership last month.
Damar Walston, Dwayne Williams and Deon Brooks, all 23 years old, were arrested on Feb. 29, several weeks after the Macomb Auto Theft Squad (MATS) first began investigating the alleged auto theft ring.
MATS investigators started investigating on Jan. 12 after a 2024 Chevy Tahoe was stolen from Heidebreicht Chevrolet on Van Dyke near 30 Mile in Washington Township.
Video surveillance from the dealership showed the theft likely involved a "key swap," according to the Macomb County Sheriff's Office.
After investigating the alleged theft ring, detectives set up a surveillance operation near Heidebreicht last Thursday. Around 7:45 p.m., police saw a gray Blazer at the gas station across the street from the dealership.
The Blazer went into the car lot and drove around, according to the sheriff's office. As it passed the Tahoe, the Tahoe's lights flashed, indicating to detectives that the suspects had a key for the SUV.
The Blazer then exited the car lot and drove south a short distance and parked, according to the sheriff's office. A short time later one of the suspects, since identified as Walston, got out, dressed in all black and wearing a ski mask.
Officials say he walked to the dealership and got into the Tahoe and tried to start it. That's when detectives moved in, removed Walston from the SUV and arrested him.
Meanwhile, Williams and Brooks took off speeding, heading south on Van Dyke. Police deployed stop sticks in the area, but the suspects kept fleeing. The Blazer eventually pulled over with a flat tire near Van Dyke and 24 Mile, with both men getting out and running into the woods.
Detectives and deputies gave chase and arrested Williams. Shelby Township police were called in to assist and set up a perimeter. With their help, along with a Michigan State Police helicopter, Brooks was eventually found and taken into custody.
Walston, Williams and Brooks were all arraigned Friday on charges of unlawful driving away of a motor vehicle and conspiracy to commit unlawful driving away of a motor vehicle.
Williams and Brooks were also charged with assaulting/resisting/obstructing a police officer. Brooks faces an additional charge of fourth-degree fleeing a police officer.
Bond was set at $25,000, 10% cash/surety for all three suspects. Walston remains held at the Macomb County Jail, while Williams and Brooks have posted bond and are no longer in custody.
Police are still investigating the alleged theft ring in an attempt to identify additional suspects. Officials have not released any other details about the alleged crime ring, including how many cars have been stolen or if any other dealerships have been targeted.
