Suspect charged with multiple break-ins in tri-county area

WARREN — The alleged ringleader and breaking and entering suspect in several tri-county crimes was arraigned in the 37th District Court in Warren and charged with multiple felonies on Oct. 20.

Martez Hunter, 18, of Detroit, who according to Warren police was the main suspect in an alleged criminal ring, was charged with two counts of breaking and entering a building with intent, a 10-year felony; one count of receiving and concealing a stolen firearm, also a 10-year felony; and one count of receiving and concealing a stolen motor vehicle, a five-year felony.

In a written statement, police said Hunter has previous contacts with law enforcement for similar crimes.

Warren police reportedly responded to a break-in at two tobacco and vape shops on Eight Mile Road and Nine Mile Road earlier in October. A white Dodge Ram was reportedly seen on closed-circuit video arriving at the businesses during early morning hours. Investigators reported that five suspects were seen exiting the Dodge, forcing entry into the businesses and stealing merchandise from each store. The suspects reportedly left the scene in the Dodge.

Warren Police Department detectives and Special Operations Unit officers, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies in the tri-county area, learned businesses in Roseville, St. Clair Shores, Dearborn, Hazel Park, Hamtramck, Redford Township and Grosse Pointe City had been broken into by suspects matching the description of those in the two Warren incidents, with the same vehicle description, according to police. Investigators also learned the suspects and the Dodge Ram were allegedly involved in a nonfatal shooting in Detroit in October of this year, police said.

According to police, Warren investigators located the Dodge, which was allegedly stolen recently in Shelby Township. On Oct.19, a multijurisdictional team of officers, led by members of the Warren Police Department, began surveillance on the suspected vehicle. Michigan State Police attempted to stop the Dodge in Detroit, but the driver allegedly fled from officers. Michigan State Police then disabled the Dodge and the two suspects fled on foot, police said.

Warren officers arrested both suspects without incident. After obtaining a search warrant, Warren police reportedly searched the Detroit residences of the suspects and found handguns, stolen merchandise and other items linking the suspects to the break-ins, according to police.

“The arrest, charges, and bond in this case are yet another example of the collaboration of local law enforcement,” said Warren Police Commissioner William Dwyer.

At press time, Hunter was the only suspect arraigned. He entered a not guilty plea before Chief Judge John Chmura, who set bond at $100,000 cash or surety only.

Efforts were made to contact Hunter’s attorney of record, Stephen D. Becker. He was not available for comment at press time.

Hunter is in the Macomb County jail, according to court records, as he awaits his Nov. 2 probable cause conference at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Chmura.

If convicted, Hunter could receive up to 35 years in prison.