Craig Ray
By: Gena Johnson | Warren Weekly | Published September 10, 2024
WARREN — Five suspects appeared in two Macomb County courts Aug. 20 where they were arraigned on felony larceny and conspiracy charges for allegedly trying to steal several brand-new vehicles from a Warren automotive shop.
One adult man and five juveniles allegedly attempted to steal six Dodge Durangos from Ground Effects, located at 1990 Concept Drive in Warren, on Aug. 19. Warren Police Department investigators estimated the damages and the amount of the attempted theft at around $500,000. Police said five of the vehicles targeted were SRT models.
Police were dispatched at approximately 6:35 a.m. to Ground Effects and saw a Dodge Durango in the rear lot driving into the security gate as the driver allegedly attempted to gain entry into the lot. The driver of a second Dodge Durango also allegedly tried to break the security gate. The Durangos were disabled, and the suspects fled the vehicles on foot running in different directions. A short foot pursuit ensued, and five of the six suspects were arrested by Warren police and taken into custody.
The five suspects were charged with conspiracy to commit larceny ($20,000 or more), a 10-year felony, and conspiracy to commit motor vehicle theft, a five-year felony, in addition to other felony charges.
Craig Ray, 24, of Detroit, the only adult in the group, was arraigned in the 37th District Court before Judge Suzanne Faunce where he entered a not guilty plea. Judge Faunce set bond at $50,000 cash or surety only, and a GPS tether is required if bond is posted.
Paul Stockyj, Ray’s attorney of record, could not be reached for comment at press time.
Ray remained in the Macomb County Jail on Sept. 5. The results of a scheduled preliminary examination in Judge John Chmura’s courtroom were not available at press time on that date.
The four juveniles, two 17-year-olds and two 16-year-olds, all from Detroit, appeared before Macomb County Juvenile Court Referee Eric Lundquist. Warren police do not release the names of minors.
Lundquist set bond for one of the 17-year-olds at $10,000 and the other at $500. The bonds for the 16-year-olds were set at $3,000 and $500, respectively. Each bond required cash or surety only.
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office has made motions to waive jurisdiction of the juveniles to adult court. A pretrial hearing was scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Sept. 4 before Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Matthew Switalski.
“The actions of these juveniles are not just illegal but also incredibly dangerous. This level of criminal activity is unacceptable, and we intend to treat it with the severity it deserves. That’s why we are seeking to charge these juveniles as adults — because when you commit adult crimes, you face adult consequences,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
Police said this is an ongoing active investigation involving the Macomb Auto Theft Squad and the Warren Police Department.