Three suspects loaded a U-Haul van with stolen clothing and BB guns from a Highland Road business Tuesday night, then sped off on a chase through White Lake Township that officers ultimately had to abandon over safety concerns. Police are now asking the public for help identifying two men and a woman connected to the theft.
Officers responded to a report of a retail fraud in progress at a business in the 10000 block of Highland Road at approximately 7:13 p.m. on October 27, according to theoaklandpress.com. FOX 2 reported that a responding officer spotted the U-Haul and pursued it eastbound on Elizabeth Lake Road, then southbound on Union Lake Road. Police say the merchandise loaded into the van — including BB guns and clothing — was estimated to be valued at more than $1,000, though FOX 2 Detroit reported the stolen items specifically as roughly $1,000 worth of Carhartt clothing and BB guns.
Chase Called Off Amid Reckless Driving
The pursuit continued toward Union Lake Road before officers pulled back, citing high rates of speed, traffic congestion, reckless driving by the U-Haul operator, and broader concerns for public safety, according to FOX 2 Detroit. During the chase, the driver of the U-Haul struck a no-parking sign. Once the pursuit was discontinued, a be-on-the-lookout alert was shared with other area law-enforcement agencies in hopes of tracking down the van and its occupants.
White Lake Township Police Chief Matthew Ivory addressed the decision to end the chase, according to FOX 2 Detroit, which reported that officers called off the pursuit because of high speeds, congestion, reckless driving and concern for public safety. The Oakland Press account also cited public-safety concerns and other factors. A bolo was issued to area departments as a result.
Suspect Descriptions Released
Police released detailed physical descriptions of all three suspects in hopes someone in the community can identify them. The first is described as a white man in his 40s, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, with an average build, very short light-colored hair or balding, and a small, faded neck tattoo under his right ear.
The second suspect is described as a thin Black male, possibly a teenager, about 6 feet 2 inches tall. Police described him as very gaunt with sunken cheeks, sporting a fade-style haircut with curly hair on top, and missing a front tooth. The third suspect is a white woman approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall with a lean build, who was wearing black leggings and a white or light-gray coat at the time of the theft.
Anyone with information about the suspects or the U-Haul involved is asked to call White Lake Township police at 248-698-4400.
