SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Four people were arrested, and two of them were charged, in connection to an attempted car theft in Southfield.
The incident happened at 3:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 13, in the 27000 block of Berkshire Drive.
The caller told dispatch that they saw multiple suspects trying to break into her 2017 Dodge Charger on their security camera, Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren said during a press conference on Monday. One approached her car and tried using a door handle to open it.
When officers arrived, they saw one suspect run from the area and get into a white 2015 Mazda.
Officers then saw the Mazda and a stolen green 2014 Ford Fusion leave the area, following each other very closely.
Both exited the subdivision and turned onto Evergreen Road at the same time.
There were multiple suspects inside the Fusion, with masks on, according to the chief.
The driver of the Fusion led officers on a brief chase before driving over grass and rocks, disabling the vehicle. The suspects ran from the vehicle.
At the same time, additional officers pursued the Mazda, Barren said.
This vehicle made “no attempts to slow or stop” and officers used a PIT maneuver to stop the car.
Once the car was disabled, all of the suspects stayed inside the car.
No one was injured in either pursuit, Barren said.
Four people were arrested as part of this investigation.
The driver of the Mazda, Tyree Pitts, 21, of Ypsilanti, was charged with third-degree fleeing and eluding, unlawful driving away of an automobile, and receiving and concealing a motor vehicle.
Pitts has prior convictions for assault with a dangerous weapon, breaking and entering, receiving and concealing motor vehicles, felony assault and malicious destruction of property, according to Barren.
He was given a $50,000 cash bond.
James Harris, 18, also of Ypsilanti, the front seat passenger, was charged with unlawful driving away of an automobile and receiving and concealing a motor vehicle. He was given a $1,500 personal bond.
The chief also said Harris has no documented criminal history.
Both are scheduled to appear in court again on March 28.
Two others were arrested in connection to the investigation. An 18-year-old Atlanta, Georgia resident was issued a citation for providing a false name and resisting obstruction.
A 17-year-old Detroit resident was also arrested, processed by Southfield police, and turned over to parents. Barren said that because this suspect is under 18, they will be turned over to Wayne County for processing.
The department is working to determine if any other suspects were involved.
Police believe these suspects were connected to an organized auto theft ring.
From October 2024 to now, Southfield and Oakland County Auto Theft Task Force officers, have arrested 43 people in the city.
So far in 2025, there have been 21 arrests, resulting in 47 felony charges in connection to auto theft crimes, according to Barren.
The department houses the task force, which is comprised of officers from Southfield, Hazel Park, Farmington Hills and Detroit.
Barren said the city’s proximity to freeways, along with the amount of apartment buildings and hotels, attracts car thieves.
You can watch the full press conference in the video below. The 911 call audio begins at the 12:20 mark and the video of the chase/arrest begins at the 18:18 mark.
