Four people were arrested in Southfield early on Thursday, March 13, in connection with an attempted car theft. Police believe the suspects may be part of an organized auto theft ring operating in the area.
The incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. in the 27000 block of Berkshire Drive when a caller reported seeing multiple suspects attempting to break into her 2017 Dodge Charger via a security camera. One suspect tried to open the car’s door.
When officers arrived, they saw one suspect flee the scene and get into a white 2015 Mazda, which then sped off, followed closely by a stolen green 2014 Ford Fusion. The suspects in the Fusion were reportedly wearing masks.
The driver of the Fusion attempted to evade police but soon drove over grass and rocks, disabling the vehicle. The suspects fled on foot but were pursued by additional officers. Meanwhile, the Mazda made no attempts to slow down and was eventually stopped using a PIT maneuver.
No one was injured in either of the chases.
Four individuals were arrested during the operation. Tyree Pitts, 21, of Ypsilanti, the driver of the Mazda, was charged with third-degree fleeing and eluding, unlawful driving away of an automobile, and receiving and concealing a motor vehicle. Pitts, who has prior convictions for various felonies, was given a $50,000 cash bond.
James Harris, 18, also from Ypsilanti, was the front-seat passenger in the Mazda. He was charged with unlawful driving away of an automobile and receiving and concealing a motor vehicle, receiving a $1,500 personal bond. Harris has no documented criminal history.
The two are scheduled to appear in court on March 28.
Two other suspects were arrested in connection with the incident. An 18-year-old from Atlanta, Georgia, was cited for providing a false name and resisting arrest. A 17-year-old from Detroit was processed and turned over to his parents, as he is a minor. This individual will be processed by Wayne County authorities.
Police believe the suspects are connected to an organized auto theft ring, and ongoing investigations are attempting to uncover more individuals involved. So far, Southfield and the Oakland County Auto Theft Task Force have made 43 arrests related to auto theft since October 2024, with 21 of those arrests occurring in 2025.
