Southfield police have dismantled what is believed to be an organized car theft ring with the arrest of four individuals following a high-stakes encounter captured on surveillance video. According to CBS News, the incident unfolded in the early hours last Thursday, when a homeowner's 2017 Dodge Charger came close to becoming the latest target in what would have been an attempted car theft.
The homeowner's call directed police to the 27000 block of Berkshire Drive. Upon arrival, the suspects abandoned their attempted car theft and attempted to flee in a white Mazda and a bright green Ford Fusion. The Fusion was later disabled after an off-road maneuver, and the suspects fled on foot. Meanwhile, a PIT maneuver by Southfield officers brought the Mazda's escape to a swift end, leading to the arrest of Tyree Pitts, 21, James Lee Harris, 18, and two other individuals near the Kingswood Place condominiums, FOX 2 Detroit reported.
Pitts, an Ypsilanti resident with a lengthy criminal history that includes assault with a dangerous weapon and other offenses, now faces charges such as third-degree fleeing and eluding. He is being held on a $50,000 cash bond. Harris, who was involved in the failed theft and has no prior criminal record, faces lesser charges and was granted a personal bond of $1,500. These charges were reported by ClickOnDetroit, which also noted that both individuals are scheduled to return to court on March 28.
Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren acknowledged the collaboration between his officers and the Oakland County Auto Theft Task Force, pointing out that their combined efforts have led to dozens of arrests since October of the previous year. He also mentioned that the area's network of freeways and temporary housing may contribute to the occurrence of car thefts. Barren told CBS News, "We have advanced our technology, and we've advanced our training. We put our task force officers out there to monitor what goes on and you may not see them, but we see you." Their ongoing efforts highlight the department's resolve to blunt the edge of auto theft, which has become all too common in the region.
Regarding the other suspects, a 17-year-old Detroit teen was processed and released to their parents, while an 18-year-old from Atlanta received a citation for providing a false name and resisting arrest, though no evidence linked them to the thefts. The status of the fourth suspect remains uncertain, as they are involved in the juvenile justice system.
