Trio arrested after Tahoe stolen from dealership
Probe ongoing as detectives seek more clues
Three Detroit men have been charged in connection with a car theft caper from an auto dealership earlier this year that took place in northern Macomb County.
The trio was arraigned on Friday in 42-1 District Court in Romeo on a variety of criminal charges including car theft, conspiracy, and assault on police officer, according to the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators said the three were apprehended on Feb. 29 by the Macomb Auto Theft Squad (MATS) and the Sheriff’s Enforcement Team (SET) during an investigation into an auto theft operation at Heidebreicht Chevrolet in Washington Township.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the probe began Jan. 12 when deputies were called to Heidebreicht Chevrolet to take a report of a stolen 2024 GMC Tahoe. The dealership is on Van Dyke Avenue between 29 Mile and 30 Mile roads.
“Video surveillance from the dealership revealed the theft likely involved a ‘key swap,’” investigators said in a new release.
Detectives conducted a surveillance on the dealership on Feb. 29. They spotted a gray Blazer at a gas station across from Heidebreicht Chevrolet. The Blazer drove across the street and entered the car lot, circling around the business.
As the Blazer passed the Tahoe, the Tahoe’s lights flashed, indicating to detectives that the individuals in the Blazer had a key for the Tahoe, officials said in the release.
The Blazer then exited Heidebreicht Chevrolet and drove a short distance before parking.
Investigators watched as a rear passenger dressed in black and wearing a ski mask got out of the Blazer and began to walk toward Heidebreicht Chevrolet.
Detectives observed the unknown male enter and attempt to start the Tahoe. He was surrounded by deputies, who removed him from the vehicle and took him into custody.
The Blazer fled the area, traveling south on Van Dyke Avenue at a high rate of speed. Deputies deployed stop sticks, but the Blazer continued south on M-53, refusing to pull over.
The driver finally pulled over with a flat tire near 24 Mile Road. Two men exited the vehicle and ran into a nearby wooded area where they were eventually caught and arrested.
Deputies said Shelby Township police officers were called to assist with the search and set up a perimeter. Michigan State Police assisted with a helicopter.
Damar Walston, 23, was charged with stealing a motor vehicle and conspiracy to commit auto theft. He remains in custody of the Macomb County Jail for violating the terms of his parole.
Dwayne Williams, 23, was charged with stealing a motor vehicle, conspiracy to commit auto theft, and assaulting a police officer.
Deon Brooks, 23, was charged with stealing a motor vehicle, conspiracy to commit auto theft, assaulting a police officer, and fourth-degree fleeing from police.
Brooks and Williams were released from the county jail after posting a $25,000 bond. Officials said the investigation is ongoing in an attempt to identify additional people involved.