Car dealership tire thieves lead cops on chase before crashing

WOODHAVEN, Mich. - Surveillance video caught two crooks in the act  stealing tires and rims off of vehicles at a local car dealership.

Police have two suspects in custody, but believe there may be more involved in  a suspected re-sell ring.

Four men were on a mission to steal tires and rims from  a car dealership on Allen Road in Woodhaven, but didn't know they were on surveillance video by a security which called police.

"When our officers arrived they noticed the rims and tires were stacked next to a brick wall," said Det. Sgt. Dennis Deweese.

Police believe a car alarm spooked the suspects and they left the rims and tires valued at more than $20,000 behind.

Police immediately started searching for the suspects when they noticed a vehicle leaving the area at a high rate of speed.

"We attempted to stop the vehicle (which) fled," Deweese said. "A pursuit ensued, leading officers through River Rouge, they ended up back in Trenton, where the pursuit terminated by a crash with suspect's vehicle."

Police say the passenger, Lovell Johnson, was trapped inside the vehicle when it crashed, and was arrested.

The driver, Demetrius White, got out and ran away, but was caught and also arrested a short time later.

Investigators say the other two suspects are being sought after fleeing in a white Toyota sedan.

"Your best bet is to turn yourself in and make a deal," said Duane Horton of Gorno Ford.

As the search continues for the other suspects, police believe this crime is part of a larger operation and they want people in the market for tires and rims to beware.

"Going to these smaller tire shops that we believe are buying the stolen property and reselling them as new tires and rims," said Deweese. "They're not getting them from the manufacturer, they are getting them from thugs on the streets."