MATS recovers 3 stolen classic cars, zeroes in on suspect
1 car found through conversation at Detroit Autorama
A Wayne County man is under investigation for his role in the theft of three classic cars that were stolen from a Mount Clemens car dealership, according to the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators said deputies in February took a report from Michael’s Auto Sales Corporation on North Gratiot Avenue at Huron Avenue had been broken into. Once in the showroom, the thieves snatched the keys and stole:
The case was turned over to the Macomb Auto Theft Squad (MATS).
One of the vehicles, the 1969 Camaro was located, unoccupied, a short distance from Michael’s Auto Sale. The vehicle was recovered and examined by MCSO.
A second vehicle was discovered for sale during a conversation at the Detroit Autorama at Huntington Place. Several Grand Nationals were on display and a male attendee stated that he had one for sale. He listed a price of $10,000 but stated he had no title.
The vehicle was not at the Autorama.
The vehicle description matched that of the stolen Grand National. MATS was able to develop a male suspect from this information.
A MATS investigator contacted the suspect and learned the vehicle in question was in fact stolen from Michael’s Auto Sales. It was also learned the suspect resided in Lincoln Park.
MATS investigators went to Lincoln Park where they located a vehicle believed to be the Grand National in the backyard of a residence on Montie Street. The suspect was linked to this residence through family members.
A search warrant was obtained to enter the property of this address. The Grand National on the property was in fact the stolen vehicle from Michael’s Auto Sales.
Through further investigation, the third vehicle, a 1986 Maroon Buick Regal, was located unoccupied in a church parking lot in Lincoln Park. This vehicle was also recovered and examined.
MATS investigators are currently working to obtain a warrant for the suspect, a male who resides in Lincoln Park. His name has not been released.