High-speed chase leads to arrests in series of marijuana dispensary robberies in Southfield

SOUTHFIELD — In the early hours of Friday, Sept. 1, at approximately 2:33 a.m., Southfield police were led on a 14-minute high-speed chase after responding to a breaking and entering at Lume Cannabis Recreational Dispensary, 26760 Lahser Road.

When police arrived, they found the front door propped open with a wooden stool. The suspects fled the business in a silver Hyundai that had been reported stolen in Royal Oak just hours before, at 6:43 p.m. Aug. 31.

Heading eastbound on Interstate 696, the suspects reached speeds of over 100 mph. During the chase, the suspects began dumping the stolen items out the window.

The chase ended on Mound Road in Warren, where the suspects headed south in the northbound lanes. Police conducted a precision immobilization technique maneuver to stop the vehicle. Two of the four suspects fled on foot and were apprehended.

Southfield police said the four suspects may also be responsible for several recent marijuana dispensary break-ins in Center Line and similar crimes committed in neighboring cities.

“Right now, southeast Michigan, we do have an issue with stolen cars,” Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren said. “We do have an issue with these smash-and-grabs. This is the first one recently in Southfield, and with this arrest, we send the message: When you come to our city, think twice, because our officers will pursue you when it’s safe to do so. And we will exercise our proper procedures. And we’ll use that PIT maneuver to bring the vehicle to an end.”

The suspects’ names had not been released by press time.

Southfield police said the driver is a 21-year-old Detroit resident whose criminal history consists of felony weapons, controlled substance, and felony resisting and obstructing incidents, and multiple warrants. Southfield police are seeking to charge the driver with fleeing and eluding, breaking and entering a business and driving without a license.

The front seat passenger is a 27-year-old Detroit resident whose criminal history consists of a felony firearm charge. Southfield police are seeking charges of breaking and entering and resisting and obstructing.

The rear passenger is a 20-year-old Detroit resident with no criminal history. Police are seeking charges of breaking and entering.

A second rear passenger is a 29-year-old Detroit resident who is currently on probation for assault and whose criminal history consists of carjacking, armed robbery, carrying a concealed weapon, felony theft, multiple outstanding traffic warrants and an active warrant for a probation violation. Police are seeking charges of breaking and entering and resisting and obstructing police.