Earlier yesterday, Michigan State Police were alerted to an attempted vehicle theft at CN Railroad Distribution Center in Eaton County. According to a social media post by MSP First District, two individuals breached the perimeter and tried to abscond with a GMC SUV.
On December 12, 2024, at approximately 03:02am, Troopers from the Michigan State Police Lansing Post were dispatched to CN Railroad Distribution Center located in Windsor Twp, Eaton County, for two subjects that entered under the fence-line and attempted to steal a GMC SUV off… pic.twitter.com/jBoRCB6uik
— MSP First District (@MSPFirstDist) December 12, 2024
The situation escalated when a trooper noticed two dark-colored Jeeps leaving the vicinity. As reported by WLNS, upon attempting to engage one of the Jeeps, its driver extinguished the vehicle's lights to swiftly evade capture. The icy conditions on the road caused the driver to quickly lose control, resulting in the Jeep crashing into a home on Oak Highway.
The aftermath saw the driver, a 24-year-old man from Detroit, abandoning the crashed Jeep and attempting to escape on foot. Nevertheless, troopers were able to track him down near I-69 and Davis Highway, ultimately leading to his arrest. The stolen Jeep was identified as property of the Detroit Police Department, and both it and the GMC SUV are currently undergoing forensic examination.
Charges against the defendant include Receiving and Concealing a Stolen Motor Vehicle, Fleeing and Eluding, Conspiracy, Driving While License Suspended, Altering VIN With Intent to Mislead, and Resisting and Obstructing. The other Jeep involved has not yet been located. The MSP emphasized the "exceptional work by the Lansing Post Troopers on a successful resolution due to their quick response, coordinated teamwork, and professionalism," ensuring the swift apprehension of one of the culprits.
Michigan State Police are continuing their investigation into the incident and are seeking any information from the public. MSP First District encourages anyone with details to reach out to Trooper McPhee at (517) 322-1907.
