A 25-year-old man is in custody following the theft of a pickup truck with three young children inside at a Wayne gas station late Sunday night. The incident occurred around 11 p.m. when the children’s mother stopped at a Mobil station located at Michigan Avenue and Venoy Road. While she was inside, a suspect stole her Chevrolet Avalanche, which contained her 3-year-old and two 18-month-old children.
The vehicle was last observed heading east on Michigan Avenue, prompting police to issue a “be on the lookout” alert. Thanks to swift police action, the truck was spotted by an undercover detective parked in the 27000 block of Cherry Hill in Dearborn Heights. Shortly after this sighting, a report came in about children crying in a nearby parking lot at Middlebelt and Grandview in Inkster, just a couple of miles away.
Upon arriving at the parking lot, police found the three children safe and unharmed in their car seats. They were promptly returned to their mother after being assessed by EMS for safety.
Authorities have arrested the suspect and are continuing their investigation into the incident. This successful outcome emphasizes the importance of community vigilance and prompt police response in ensuring the safety of children and families.