Washington Township, MI – On 02/29/2024, the Macomb Auto Theft Squad (MATS) and the Sherriff’s Enforcement Team (S.E.T.) apprehended three suspects involved in an alleged auto theft operation from Heidebreicht Chevrolet in Washington Township.
The MATS investigation was initiated on 01/12/24 when the MCSO responded to Heidebreicht Chevrolet for the theft of a 2024 GMC Tahoe. Video surveillance from the dealership revealed the theft likely involved a “key swap.”
Investigative circumstances led to detective surveillance on 02/29/2024. At approximately 7:45PM, a gray Blazer was observed at the gas station directly across from Heidebreicht Chevrolet. The Blazer then entered the car lot and drove around the business. As the Blazer passed the Tahoe, the Tahoe’s lights flashed, indicating to detectives that the individuals in the Blazer had a key for the Tahoe.
The Blazer the exited Heidebreicht Chevrolet and drove south a short distance and parked. Detectives observed a rear passenger dressed in black and wearing a ski mask exit the Blazer and start to walk towards Heidebreicht Chevrolet. Detectives then observed the unknown male enter and attempt to start the Tahoe. At that point Suspect A, Damar Walston, a 23-year-old male from Detroit, was removed from the vehicle and taken into custody.
The Blazer left the scene, traveling south on Van Dyke (M-53) at a high rate of speed. MCSO traffic units deployed stop sticks. The Blazer continued south on M-53, refusing to pull over. Near M-53 and 24 Mile Road, the Blazer pulled over with a flat tire. Two suspects exited the vehicle and ran westbound into the wooded area. Detectives and Deputies gave chase on foot. Suspect B, Dwayne Williams, Jr., a 23-year-old male from Detroit, was apprehended and taken into custody.
Shelby PD was called to assist. They set up a perimeter and assisted with the search. With the assistance of a MSP helicopter, Suspect C, Deon Brooks, a 23-year-old male from Detroit, was located and taken into custody.
All three suspects were arraigned Friday, March 1, 2024, on charges of:
- Suspect A – Damar Walston
- Count 1: Motor vehicle – unlawful driving away
- Count 2: Conspiracy to commit motor vehicle – unlawful driving away
- Suspect B – Dwayne Williams
- Count 1: Motor vehicle – unlawful driving away
- Count 2: Conspiracy to commit motor vehicle – unlawful driving away
- Count 3: Police Officer – assaulting/resisting/obstructing
- Suspect C – Deon Brooks
- Count 1: Motor vehicle – unlawful driving away
- Count 2: Conspiracy to commit motor vehicle – unlawful driving away
- Count 3: Police Officer – fleeing – fourth degree – vehicle code
- Count 4: Count 3: Police Officer – assaulting/resisting/obstructing
Bond was set at $25,000, 10% cash/surety. Damar Walston remains lodged at the Macomb County Jail; Dwayne Williams and Deon Brooks have posted bond and are no longer in custody.
This investigation is ongoing in an attempt to identify additional suspects.
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