Suspects who allegedly impersonated police in August home invasion arrested this month

FERNDALE — Three men were arrested this month for allegedly impersonating police officers during an August home invasion.

Authorities arrested Edward Clay, 43, of Detroit; Trevor Glenn, 37, of West Bloomfield; and Bernard Gardner, 31, of Detroit, for their alleged connection to the home invasion.

According to police, at approximately 5:30 a.m. Aug. 4 in the 100 block of West Woodland Street, four men approached a 65-year-old resident as he was leaving his home. Police Chief Dennis Emmi stated that the men were wearing masks and tactical vests with police patches on them.

“They handcuffed him and took him into the backyard,” Emmi said. “It became apparent that they weren’t police officers, and they went into his house, which we believe is to rob it or to commit a home invasion.”

Emmi said the suspects took a firearm that the resident was illegally carrying, and that was the only item that police believed was taken. There were no injuries during the incident, and the suspects fled the scene. The invasion also was believed to have been a targeted act.

Ferndale police stated that, through the investigation with the FBI and the Oakland County Violent Crimes and Gangs Task Force over the course of four months, they were able to identify a suspect vehicle using the department’s new Flock Safety Automated License Plate Reader, which is able to help match a suspect and vehicle with a list of license plates in the software.

“It’s a very complicated, detailed investigation that lasted four months,” Emmi said. “So you can imagine the coordination and the amount of information sifted through in four months. So we’re proud of our officers and our partners at the FBI. They did a fantastic job. Also, this is really a chance to acknowledge that without these partnerships with our larger federal partners, state, county partners, departments our size don’t have the resources to execute four simultaneous search warrants at the same time. … We really want to thank all our partners and they really did a fantastic job.”

Three of the four suspects were arrested by police, and the fourth suspect has been identified.

“We’re hoping that once they issue the warrant that we’re able to get him in custody shortly, but that’s where we’re at with the investigation,” Emmi said.

Police also said that they recovered drugs, stolen and altered firearms, and 800 rounds of ammunition at the four homes connected to the suspects.

The three suspects in custody were arraigned in the 43rd District Court Dec. 8 on one count of armed robbery, one count of first-degree home invasion, one count of firearm larceny and three counts of felony firearm.

“(They’re) potentially facing federal firearms charges as well, but that’s up to the Department of Justice whether they’re going to charge them or not. But it has been discussed,” Emmi said.

Clay was given a $250,000 cash or surety bond, Glenn was given a $250,000 cash or surety bond, and Gardner was given a $250,000 cash or surety 10% bond. Their next court appearance was scheduled for 1 p.m. Dec. 18, after press time.

“Every individual is shrouded with a presumption of innocence, and the evidence and statements, video, pictures, whatever is available and whatever is collected by the prosecutor has to rise to the level of beyond a reasonable doubt,” said Christopher Sinclair, the attorney for Glenn. “He maintains his innocence. I maintain his innocence, and we’ll just move forward with the process.”

Clay and Gardner had yet to obtain attorneys as of press time, according to the court.

“These investigations don’t come to an end once they’re arrested. In some cases, a lot of information and evidence can come to light after the arrest through interviews and witness testimony. So the bulk of the investigation is done prior to issuing the warrant, but it’s certainly not the end of the investigation,” Emmi said.