‘THEY DO IT TO PROTECT THE REST OF US, AND RESCUE THOSE IN NEED’
SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT CLEANING UP CRIME, LOOKING TO EXPAND IN MADISON HEIGHTS
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
MADISON HEIGHTS — Five years ago, the Madison Heights Police Department reinstated its undercover Special Investigations Unit, looking to clean up crime in hotels and motels that ranged from narcotics to human trafficking.
That crucial work continues today, and officials say there are plans to grow the team.
See POLICE on page 4A
Hazel Park house fire leaves two dead
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
HAZEL PARK — Two women died from smoke inhalation in what officials say is Hazel Park’s first fatal fire in more than 10 years.
Authorities received word of the fire around 5 a.m. Friday, July 12. A concerned citizen who was driving down Eight Mile Road noticed heavy smoke rising from the area of East Muir Avenue near Dequindre Road. The driver turned around, located the source and called 911 with the address of the home: 1561 E. Muir Ave.
Hazel Park Fire Chief Richard Story said the
ranch-style home was likely burning for at least an hour prior to someone noticing. Firefighters from Hazel Park and Madison Heights raced to the scene and found smoke billowing from the structure, which was engulfed in fire. The front door appeared to be obstructed by bars and debris on the opposite side, preventing entry, so firefighters made a tactical decision to start dousing the fire from the rear of the house.
Once the fire had been partially knocked down, entry was made and two victims were located. Both were found dead from smoke inhalation. One victim, an 80-year-old woman, was found in the bedroom. Her daughter, 59, was found near the front door.
FIRE on page 19A
Photo by Erin Sanchez
Madison Heights Police Chief Brent LeMerise, left, discusses the city’s Special Investigations Unit with Madison Heights City Councilman David Soltis at the Madison Heights Police Department on July 17. Five years ago, Soltis called for the unit’s return. There are now plans to expand it.
Firefighters examine the scene of a July 12 house fire at 1561 E. Muir Ave. The blaze left the home totaled and two residents deceased.
Photo provided by Richard Story
See
SECOND FRONT PAGE
RIGHT: Benjamin Prowse, a naturalist with the Red Oaks Nature Center, examines the leaves of the honeysuckle plant, one of the invasive species at Suarez Friendship Woods. County staff members have been working on controlling invasive species that have spread across the Red Oaks Nature Preserve.
BELOW: A sign at the park declares “Habitat restoration in progress.” Some visitors were dismayed by the reduction in foliage in some areas. Officials say the culling was necessary since there were invasive shrubs outcompeting native plants for resources.
Work continues to stop invasive species at Red Oaks
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
MADISON HEIGHTS — When people think of parks, they might think of pastimes like running, playing ball or walking dogs. If properly maintained, however, parks can also support ecosystems by providing a wildlife habitat with clean air and water.
In Oakland County, parks staff take an eco-minded approach to more than 20 green spaces, including the Red Oaks Nature Preserve at 30300 Hales St. in Madison Heights, home to Suarez Friendship Woods and the Red Oaks Nature Center.
In February, staff diligently set about removing non-native invasive species, concluding the bulk of their work in March. But officials say that efforts to restore the northern section will continue in perpetuity.
According to Benjamin Prowse, the naturalist with the Red Oaks Nature Center,
Feedback sought for redesign of Red Oaks
Park
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
MADISON HEIGHTS — Oakland County has grand plans for Red Oaks Park — once known as Ambassador Park, a space it leases from the city of Madison Heights — and residents will get to share their thoughts at an upcoming event there.
The 7-acre park, located at 600 E. 13 Mile Road, will host an open house from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 5. Many changes are planned there as part of its incorporation into the larger Red Oaks County Parks system — a 139-acre network that includes other Red Oaks-branded properties such as the nature center, water park, dog park and golf course.
Since Red Oaks Park is not located over the G.W. Kuhn Drain, the park will afford the county room for new infrastructure, including eco-friendly year-round restrooms. There will also be looping accessible pathways through pollinator-friendly native gardens and landscaping.
“One of the most exciting features … is the Gary McGillivray Play Garden, which will be a great place for multiple generations to come to the park and spend time together,” said Donna
Photos by Erin Sanchez
Photo provided by Oakland County Parks
Scenes from Ambassador Park in Madison Heights, now referred to as Red Oaks Park. The county is leasing the site from the city, and has many improvements planned. A public forum seeking feedback on the new design will be held at the venue, 600 E. 13 Mile Road, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 5.
“We’re preparing to increase staffing for the SIU,” said Brent LeMerise, the chief of the Madison Heights Police Department. “We’ve actually had some success increasing our staff at the Police Department in general, thanks to some improved incentives to bring qualified candidates here.”
Madison Heights has two major freeways crossing town: Interstates 75 and 696. As such, transient crime has been a problem over the years, as criminals pop in and out of hotels to engage in prostitution, drug deals, and human trafficking that preys upon vulnerable groups including children, women and people with intellectual disabilities or substance use disorders.
Authorities say that the most effective response has been to deploy the undercover officers of the SIU, who usually stake out crime scenes and investigate suspicious activity in plain clothes and unmarked vehicles. In addition to their work at the hotels and motels, they also address issues of vandalism and blight, as well as liquor and tobacco enforcement.
“The SIU allows the Police Department to investigate certain crimes or incidents that would simply be too difficult for uniformed officers to resolve. Their ability to remain anonymous is key,” LeMerise said. “The SIU officers are tireless. They work hard on tons of investigations — a lot that keeps them busy. And we certainly appreciate all the work they put into cleaning up the city.”
City Council reinstated the SIU in October 2018 at the urging of City Councilman David Soltis, mere days after two minors had been sexually assaulted in Madison Heights hotels. The SIU had been on hiatus since 2010, when it was cut as a cost-saving measure during the Great Recession.
Leading up to the SIU’s return, Soltis also proposed an ordinance penalizing highcrime hotels, which the City Council adopted, and he personally contacted the executives of hotel chains, asking them to pressure their franchisees to better police their properties.
The idea was to squeeze noncompliant hotels from all sides, with the SIU being the mechanism that directly uncovers the crimes. The result, Soltis said, is that hotels no longer feel like safe havens for criminals.
“When I heard about the human trafficking in our city — teenagers being victimized — I was adamant about resurrecting
the SIU,” Soltis said. “It’s really the most effective way to rid our city of this scum. We drew a line in the sand and said, ‘That’s it. No more. We don’t want you here, so get the hell out.’ And with the ordinance for the hotels and motels, I really wanted to put their feet to the fire and hold them responsible for what’s going on in their buildings. We wanted to clean up that seedy behavior and make sure criminals know that we’re going to catch them, put them in jail and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.
“I know a lot of these criminals were coming to Madison Heights because we’re so close to the major freeways. We unfortunately became the epicenter for a lot of their illegal activity,” he continued. “And so, the SIU is important for obliterating these crimes of opportunity.”
Corey Haines was the police chief of Madison Heights when the SIU was reinstated. He is now the police chief of Eastpointe, which has its own SIU. He said via email that the SIU is an integral part of police operations.
“The hotels in Madison Heights had a large problem with human trafficking of victims that were being forced into prostitution. Our SIU unit was very successful, and led the area in pursuing and successfully prosecuting these cases. In fact, the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office dedicated an entire unit to the prosecution of human trafficking suspects,” Haines said. “The SIU also formed a close collaboration with victim services, so that they could immediately provide the victims of human trafficking with the help they needed to be safe and secure away from their traffickers.
“There are many crimes that occur in all cities that are not easily investigated by uniformed officers and require the use of undercover police officers. The SIU is that model, and has been extremely successful in the arrest and prosecution of many criminals,” Haines said. “The unit is a necessity for any police department. I can’t thank Councilman Soltis and the entire City Council enough for reinstating this unit, and for their continued support of the SIU.”
Soltis praised the dedication of the team.
“The real heroes are the officers — the undercover officers who day in and day out see all this crap and the worst of humanity, and put their lives in danger each time they get out there,” Soltis said. “They do it to protect the rest of us, and rescue those in need.”
Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.
In Memory of Remi McBean Anderson
Remi McBean Anderson, of Hazel Park, passed away in her family home Friday, July 5”, 2024, surrounded by her husband and family at the age of 77. She was a devoted wife and mother and is survived by her husband, Bill Anderson; her children Holly (Robert) Kuck, Chuck (Julia) Hoeft, Brittany (Feliks) Rozenberg, Marta (Joshua) Wright; her grandchildren Alexandria (Jordan) Garrison, Autumn Kuck (Bob Beasley), Henry Hoeft IV, Lilliava Hoeft, Liam Hoeft; her great grandchildren Nikkolas Wright, Chloe Beasley, Hayden Hoeft, Jack Garrison, Olivia Garrison; her siblings John (Vickie) McBean, Dawn McBean; sister in law Deborah Anderson Porter and loving nieces and nephews. Remi was a former Eastern Star and an active member of her community who volunteered frequently with the Hazel Park Schools and sports programs. After retiring from the Hazel Park Memorial Library in 2017, Remi enjoyed spending her time with family, reading, and traveling. A celebration of Remi’s life will take place Thursday, August 15, 2024, at 7:00pm at the Hazel Park First United Methodist Church, 315 E 9 Mile rd, Hazel Park, MI 48030. In leu of fowers the family has requested for donations to be made in Remi’s honor to the Hazel Park First United Methodist Church.
Suspect arrested after stolen vehicle runs out of gas
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
EASTPOINTE/HAZEL PARK — A woman stands accused of leading Eastpointe police on a high-speed chase using a stolen vehicle, only for police in Hazel Park to capture her when the car ran out of gas.
The suspect is Ryann Parkes, 34, of Taylor. In 43rd District Court in Hazel Park, Parkes was arraigned by Magistrate Michael Mitchell July 6, where she faced charges of third-degree fleeing a police officer in a vehicle, a felony punishable by up to five years in prison; receiving and concealing stolen property (motor vehicle), a felony punishable by up to five years in prison; driving with a suspended license, a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail; as well as driving with a false ID and failure to stop at a property damage accident — both misdemeanors, the first punishable by up to a year in jail and the second punishable by up to 90 days in jail. Her bond there was set at $10,000 cash or surety. Her case was bound over to the Oakland County Circuit Court on July 17, and her ar-
raignment there was scheduled for July 29, after press time. At press time, Parkes was being held in the Oakland County Jail.
Parkes’ attorney in Oakland County Circuit Court is Kerry O. Phillips. Phillips did not return a request for comment by press time.
Parkes had yet to be arraigned in 38th District Court in Eastpointe at press time. According to 38th District Court records, Parkes will be facing one count of third-degree fleeing a police officer in a vehicle; one count of receiving and concealing stolen property (motor vehicle); one count of malicious destruction of fire or police property, a felony punishable by up to four years in prison; one count of assaulting, resisting, or obstructing a police officer, a felony punishable by up to two years; one count of driving while license suspended; and one count of reckless driving, a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days.
See PARKES on page 16A
Parkes
Invasive
it’s also work that will prevent the spread of invasive species to other locations around the region.
“I try to share my perspective with visitors that this was a glaring problem where the birds that came through our parks were taking the seeds (of invasive plants) and spreading them far beyond our parks,” Prowse said. “It’s not just Oakland County that’s spending money to fight invasive species, but also road crews and others across the state. So we’re trying to not be the source of the spread.”
The planning for the project goes back to 2019, when the staff assessed 38 acres there and the natural populations they support, which included a look at on-site birding data. This year was the start of nonnative shrub removal and the chipping of brush related to that work. Currently, the staff is surveying for invasive plant regrowth, native species regeneration, and whether there is a need for additional native seeding. All of this is critical for the continued health of the nature preserve.
“Our goal in restoration work is highquality functioning ecosystems that support diverse and robust plant and animal populations,” said Sarah Cook-Maylen, the county’s chief of natural resources, in an email.
Among the non-native invasive species threatening the nature preserve have been such plants as autumn olive — a deciduous shrub that can grow to 20 feet high, shading out native plants and degrading soil quality — and common buckthorn, a deciduous small tree or shrub that crowds out native shrubs and understory plants and serves as a host for the alfalfa mosaic virus, crown fungus and the soybean aphid. Both plants spread quickly through seeds scattered by birds.
The process of culling those invasive species involves a combination of hand trimming and shrub pulling, herbicide application, forestry mowing and maintenance mowing. In other parks, it can also involve prescribed burning, although that hasn’t been necessary at Red Oaks.
At first, removing plants can make previously dense spaces look sparse, but officials say this is best for the health of the environment.
“The invasive shrubs had been grow-
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ing back there for quite some time, so for anyone who visited the park frequently, they were familiar with seeing them and thought they were just natural,” Prowse said. “So truly, the reduction was stark for them, since it was all they knew. They didn’t know they were invasive shrubs. Once they learn, they begin to understand this is for the best, and that over time we will have more beneficial native shrubbery and plants that birds will enjoy more.”
One top priority has been supporting the resident and migratory birds who rely on the woods. The Red Oaks Nature Center is a popular destination for those interested in birding.
Not only do invasive plants harm native ones by outcompeting them for food, space and light, they also reduce the availability of quality food and shelter for birds and other wildlife, resulting in less diversity and lower population numbers.
“One of the bigger concerns our birders had during this project was the effect on warblers — one of the groups of birds they get most excited about,” Prowse said. “Warblers are here for insects, and birders might think that with some shrubs removed, it will be terrible for birding. But this was still one
of the best birding years I can remember in all my years here. I don’t think the impact was as stark as a lot of people thought it would be.”
Prowse noted that between May 2 and June 4, nearly 130 species were reported in or above the park, including 33 species of warbler. He added that the Red Oaks Nature Preserve is one of the top birding hot spots in Oakland County, with more than 170 species observed in all. This is a level of variety normally seen in parks spanning 1,000 acres or more — an impressive feat for only 38 acres.
He said that keeping such a complex ecosystem in good shape takes a great deal of effort and a fair bit of foresight.
“There’s a lot of thought put into this — even a native plant can become invasive if it’s too successful and left unchecked,” Prowse said. “So we think a lot about what we put back there, so that it won’t become a problem in the future.”
Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.
13650 E. Eleven Mile Rd. Warren, MI
NEWS & NOTES
BLOOD DRIVE AT CITY HALL
MADISON HEIGHTS — The city of Madison Heights will host a blood drive for the American Red Cross in the lower level of City Hall, 300 W. 13 Mile Road, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 7. Appointments can be made online by visiting www. redcrossblood.org and using the code “madisonhgts.”
EDUCATION AND CAREER FAIR
MADISON HEIGHTS — The city of Madison Heights is partnering with Oakland80 for the Education and Career Opportunities Fair, which will be held from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 6.It will be held at the Lexington Village Clubhouse, located at 31530 Concord Drive in Madison Heights. The event is open to the public and will feature resources to assist with returning to school, meeting career goals, and international degree and certification transfers. Language support is also available.
Arts Board announces Disco Prom
MADISON HEIGHTS — The Madison Heights Arts Board has announced a “Disco Prom” that will be held from 7:30 p.m. to midnight on Friday, Nov. 8 at the Club Venetian, located at 29310 John R Road in Madison Heights. Early bird pricing is $50 through Aug. 31. For more information, including how to order tickets, visit the Madison Heights Arts Board page on Facebook.
VOTE AUG. 6
As you prepare to cast your ballot next week, check out our election guide and profiles on the candidates running for local and national office at www.candgnews.com, “Elections.”
MBC TO HOLD AUDITIONS, OPEN HOUSE
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — The Macomb Ballet Company will hold 2024-2025 open auditions Aug. 22 and Aug. 29. Dancers must be between the ages of 8 and 19. The nonprofit organization welcomes dancers from all backgrounds and training levels to audition. For more information about how to audition, visit macombballet.org. The cast will perform two shows: “The Nutcracker” Dec. 7-9, 2024, and “Wizard of Oz” April 25-27, 2025. The Macomb Ballet Company also invites the public to its open house from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Aug 14. The MBC is located at 51504 Danview Technology Court in Shelby Township. For more information call (586) 843-3374.
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — The public is invited to view the “Tlatecayotl Caucualtzin” (Art is Beautiful) Mexican art exhibit through Sept. 14 at the Lorenzo Cultural Center.
The showcase — presented in partnership with the Mexican Consulate — is a collection of 16 unique works of art created by five Mexican-born artists demonstrating a variety of styles and techniques. One piece includes “Abuelita Otomi,” pictured, by artist Arturo Morales Morano.
“We’re excited about this show because it’s so different from what we’ve done in the past,” William Wood, director, Cultural Affairs and Community Engagement, Macomb Community College, said in a prepared statement. “Some of the art will be on display for the first time anywhere.”
The artwork demonstrates styles and artistic methods inspired by modern art in Mexico as well as Mesoamerican art created by indigenous cultures in Mexico and South America. A variety of techniques are employed in creating the artwork including the use of spray paint and black lights.
The Art is Beautiful exhibit is complementary and open to the public Tuesday through Friday through Sept. 14, as well as on Saturdays Aug. 7 and Aug. 14. It is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Lorenzo Cultural Center is located on Macomb Community College’s Center Campus. The address is 44575 Garfield Road. For more information, visit lorenzoculturalcenter.com.
Photos provided by Brian Weitzel Photography
MACKINAC ISLAND EMPLOYEES HAVE
BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Mackinac Island is a popular Michigan tourist destination, but it’s also home to hundreds of island employees who work hard and enjoy what the island has to offer.
Paul Caron, who previously lived in St. Clair Shores, worked on Mackinac Island during the 1980s. He said it was his first time living away from home and his first time working in the restaurant business. The experience helped him land other jobs when he was going to school at Macomb Community College and Central Michigan University.
“I had visited but never experienced it like that, because you take time to learn different parts of the island,” Caron said.
During his time working there, he learned about different aspects of the island including the word “fudgie.” He also grew acclimated to the smells of the island’s equine inhabitants.
“You build up to the July Fourth holiday and then (you’re) really into the summer season,” Caron said. “And you start picking up the words of, ‘What’s a fudgie?’ Well, obviously it’s a tourist.”
Caron’s only form of transportation on the island was a bicycle. He said most people who worked on the island didn’t have cars and most stayed on the island year-round. He was also a part of a softball league. He explained the field was lo-
cated near the old Mackinac Hotel.
‘LIFE-CHANGING’ EXPERIENCES
“It was really just a field that was made into a softball field, and it had a league there for years,” Caron said. “So that was an interesting, fun thing to kind of do as well.”
The year before Caron went to the island, they filmed the movie “Somewhere in Time” there. The movie featured Christopher Reeve, Jane Seymour and Christopher Plummer. Places featured in the movie include the Grand Hotel and the shoreline of the island. The gazebo that was used for filming is still on the island and can be visited by tourists. Plaques are stationed at some of the filming sites as well as historical sites around the island.
“The restaurant that I worked into had some pictures of the filming of that,” Caron said. “And we had kids that worked in our restaurant that were year-round island residents.”
Popular spots for workers included bars and various shorelines around the island, including British Landing.
“There was a high point off of British Landing where you’d go watch the sunset, so that was kind of cool, too,” Caron said.
Cassondra Scott, a resident of Alma, worked on the island for nine summers starting when she was 18. She described the experience as “life-changing.” She said she went from a small town to the island which has thousands of people visiting over the course of the summer.
“They hired people from all over the world,” Scott said.
See EMPLOYEES on page 11A
Photo provided by Cassondra Scott
During her time working on Mackinac Island, Cassondra Scott enjoyed everything it had to offer, from paddle boarding to visiting the Round Island Lighthouse.
VETERANS: THIS RIDE’S ON US
Oakland
To
Employees
from page 8A
“And I made friends. To this day I have friends in (the) Philippines, California, Florida — like, all over all because of working on the island.”
She went on to say it was unique.
“It has connected me in ways that I never would have imagined,” Scott said.
Scott said she started in retail and moved on to working in hotels for the last four to five summers. She also said she worked at the Grand Hotel during her time there.
“Some days it was like I would just stand on the big front porch and think, ‘How is this really my life?’” Scott said.
The people she met, including both tourists and coworkers, shaped her into who she is, Scott said.
“Working at a really high-end resort hotel, you learn how to really be more proper and more graceful and things like that,” she said.
Scott got more free time as the season settled down. She said she took that time to celebrate the end of the summer with friends by going parasailing and going on “Sip n’ Sail” cruises. She also said they enjoyed bike riding around the island during the summer.
“In the heat of the summer, in the busy period, you work a lot, especially if you work at the Grand Hotel. It’s like 10-hour days,” Scott said. “But towards the end, you got more free time, so those were the things that we’d squeeze in.”
Like Caron, she worked during the summer and went to college during the winter months, though some island workers will work on the island during the summer and find different seasonal employment during the winter, perhaps at a ski resort.
Both Caron and Scott said the busiest times of the season were the yacht races. Two yacht races occur during the summer: the Bayview Mackinac Race and the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac. In the Bayview race, sailors start in Port Huron. In the
Leo’s Country Oven Pleases Every Palate
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roast, turkey and gravy, Swiss steak, pork chops with scalloped potatoes headline the specials sheet, along with many more during the week. ey come with soup, salad, bread, potatoes and even a selection of such classic desserts as rice pudding, tapioca or ice cream. Carryout is also available for most items.
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You’ll nd Leo’s Country Oven at 28611
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is the view from halfway up Fort Hill, which is located next to Fort Michilimackinac. The fort overlooks Marquette Park and offers a stunning view of the island and Lake Huron.
Photo by Alyssa Ochss
Chicago race, they start in Chicago. Both races end at Mackinac Island, where sailors will stay and celebrate.
“It’s kind of a different atmosphere during those yacht races,” Scott said.
Caron said that the season didn’t really pick up until Memorial Day, but the boat races were definitely the busiest.
“Definitely the boat races though,” Caron said. “You’re in the restaurant business. You double stocked your stuff. You had long lines of people waiting to get in businesses then.”
Scott said that the island is a close-knit community. She said in the mainland world, cars keep people separated but on an island with no cars, everyone sees what’s going on.
“You’re out on the street, if you’re do-
ing something you don’t want people to see, well, they’re going to see,” Scott said.
Caron said people could tell if someone had fake IDs and that the island is small.
“When you’re on the island, people get to know who you are very quick because you’re there all year-round,” Caron said.
Scott added that the closeness made it more social and that riding around the island was spontaneous.
“But you live in this beautiful tourist destination that everybody else would love to be at, and you live there,” Scott said. “So you just get all of that at your fingertips. And sometimes I think you kind of take it for granted almost because it’s there.”
Scott said she would move back in a heartbeat and raise her children on the island. One of the appealing things about the school is that it has small class sizes.
“There’s just so many advantages to that small close-knit community that they have,” Scott said.
Caron called his experience unusual and different. He also said it helped him mature.
“In some ways it was like college without the studying, because you worked hard and you played hard, to be honest. And you certainly got to see the excitement of the island, people coming to the island,” Caron said.
This
CRIME WATCH
Vehicles looted
HAZEL PARK — A resident on the 23000 block of Melville Avenue reported that someone entered his unlocked red 2019 Ford Escape and ransacked it sometime between 10:45 p.m. July 21 and 12:25 p.m. July 22.
Nothing was reported missing.
In a separate incident, a resident on the 23000 block of Crossley Avenue told police that someone entered her white 2021 Ford Bronco and stole a fanny pack containing identification and several credit cards. The theft occurred sometime between 9:30 p.m. July 21 and 7:25 a.m. July 22.
Police believe that both incidents involve the same suspect. The cases are being investigated by the Auto Theft Unit. In the meantime, police are reminding vehicle owners to not leave valuables in their vehicles, and to always lock their vehicle doors.
If you know more about these crimes or others, call Hazel Park police at (248) 5426161.
Identity theft
MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, a 60-year-old Madison Heights resident in the 28000 block of Diesing Drive was the victim of identity theft around 11 a.m. July 13,
An unknown suspect reportedly stole the victim’s information to open credit accounts. Police are investigating.
Suspicious texts
MADISON HEIGHTS — An 18-yearold resident of Hazel Park reported receiving suspicious texts from an unknown person on Snapchat while they were at a location in the 27000 block of Dartmouth Avenue around 9:50 p.m. July 18.
An investigation was ongoing.
Purse snatched
MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, an 85-year-old Troy resident had a purse stolen from a shopping cart in the 32000 block of John R Road between 4 p.m. and midnight July 13. Police were investigating.
If you know more about these crimes or others, call Madison Heights police at (248) 585-2100.
— Andy Kozlowski
Congrats Graduate Dr. Lance Jones
THE GIFT OF FRIENDSHIP
DRIVES THIS AUSTIN-HEALEY
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — It didn’t take long for David White and Dan Heming to become friends for life.
From the moment they met in 1968 as student naval aviators in the U.S. Navy, they formed an immediate bond when stationed in Pensacola, Florida, and Meridian, Mississippi.
“He was in another squadron. We were flying the same airplane, a T-34. It’s a primary trainer,” White said. “He was going through his battles to get the grades to move forward, and so was I. It’s a pretty rigorous environment.”
White, a Michigan State University graduate, and Heming, a University of Michigan graduate, lost touch for a while after leaving the service, but soon reconnected.
“I was out at the Pontiac Airport after we both left the service, and there he was,” White, of Bloomfield Township, said. “This was about 1972, and the bond was re-created instantly.”
Sadly, Heming died a few years ago at age 76.
“We went through some really tight situations together. He saved me from falling off the side of a mountain one time. We’ve had some really on-the-edge experiences, and it built a bond,” White said. “It’s the purest measure of friendship. When I think of him — a very generous man.”
Over the years, both men married and started families, but they continued their friendship, often cruising in Heming’s 1956 Austin-Healey. The British sports car maker was established in 1952 through a joint venture between the Austin division of the British Motor Corp. and the Donald Healey Motor Co. Many of Heming and White’s leisure drives in the Austin-Healey were in Milford.
See AUSTIN-HEALEY on page 15A
LEFT: David White, of Bloomfield Township, inherited his 1956 Austin-Healey from his friend Dan Heming.
Photos by Erin Sanchez
ABOVE: White, left, was the best man in Dan Heming’s wedding. The two met in 1968 while serving in the U.S. Navy.
LEFT: While holding up his book “Tall Air,” White stands next to the Austin-Healey he inherited from Dan Heming.
Austin-Healey
from page 14A
“We’d just look around, have a coffee, get waves from people,” White said. “Sometimes we’d go out to the state parks. We were bikers and hikers at the time. Two good friends that would just enjoy the day.”
White also remembers traveling to Wisconsin when the car was going through an engine modification.
“We went on the ferry and across the lake. I remember the first test drive we took. The car hadn’t been completed. The guy that was working on it said, ‘Hey, take it for a drive,’” White said. “We’re hauling down the road somewhere in Wisconsin. He was pushing it to the limit and I was going, ‘Whoa, whoa. You’re going a little too fast for me.’ We finally got back to the garage. As he was getting out of the car, he pulled up on the steering wheel and it came right off it. We both went, ‘Holy smokes.’”
Heming owned an Austin-Healey while in college but sold it when he entered the Navy. Years later, he bought the 1956 Austin-Healey, which “brought back memories of his college days and also some of the things that happened in the Navy,” White said.
Heming’s friendship also left an impact on White’s wife of 54 years, Ann White.
“There were a lot of late evenings on the patio in the back and a fair amount of Scotch,” Ann White said of the pair.
“And cigars,” White said.
White is now taking care of the Austin-Healey. When Heming died a few years ago, he willed the car to his Navy pal. It took White some time to get used to the idea of having the car. At first, he didn’t want to drive the convertible because “it was Dan’s car.”
“It sat in his garage for quite a while after he passed away,” Ann White said. “It took Dave a while to make it OK in his head.”
But he has since carried on Heming’s love for the automobile. A novice to the Austin-Healey, White learned everything he could about the car, “from servicing the vehicle to the right fluids you use.” When he first brought it home,
AISHA FAROOQI
Ann White drove very closely in front of White, who was following in the Austin-Healey.
“I hop in the car, start the car up and I’m driving from Milford to Birmingham,” White said. “And it’s getting dark.”
White then turned on a switch he thought were the headlights, but nothing happened.
“I can’t even turn the headlights on,” he said. “We finally got home. It took me another day to figure out the English have a way of pulling it out and then turning it to the right. I thought I had done that, but I apparently didn’t.”
The restored vehicle is a 100-6 two-seater roadster model. The classic car has a 6-cylinder engine paired with an upgraded 5-speed manual transmission. It is paired in what White calls a “mesmerizing custom green/blue exterior, gleaming chrome with the impeccable condition of luxurious black upholstery interior. A true gem in every sense.”
White often takes the car out for drives on Saturday and Sunday mornings. He’s met up with a local AustinHealey group a few times. He also likes to drive the English car through Bloomfield Hills, sometimes with his wife by his side.
“There are some neat roads that go on forever. I drive it just for the pure pleasure when I can,” said White, who misses his friend. “I thank him every time I drive.”
During his lifetime, Heming became a commercial pilot for USAir. He also flew for Roger Penske. White worked in advertising, started his own marketing company and also is a published author of two books — “Tall Air” and “True Blue” — under the name D Stuart White.
From a young age, my parents taught me that the American Dream is made of opportunity, hard work, and determination. As an assistant prosecuting attorney, I understand the importance of listening to people while leading with compassion and a firm sense of justice. As a public service attorney, I took on clients turned away by others. I will always put the residents of District 57 first to make sure Michigan has an economy that works for all of us. As your representative in Lansing, I will:
• Support small businesses, create good paying jobs and protect workers’ rights
• Make healthcare, prescription drugs, mental health, and addiction services affordable
• Safeguard reproductive healthcare
• Protect our democracy
• Lower costs for seniors
• Support our local police and firefighters
• Expand access to affordable childcare
• Preserve green spaces
• Keep our water and air clean
• Invest in public education funding and teacher salaries
David White did not know how to drive the convertible at first, but has since learned all he can about the car.
Photo by Erin Sanchez
Redesign
Folland, chief of planning for Oakland County Parks, via email. “It will feature several innovative play elements for both physical and imaginative play, with lots of shade and seating nearby, including a ‘front porch’ where you can hang out on the steps or porch swings. All ages and abilities will enjoy the looped accessible trails that have occasional ‘play pockets’ for kids to jump off the trail and play.”
The interlocal partnership between the city and county was signed in August 2023, and preliminary plans were signed in
November 2023. If all goes as planned, the project will move out of its design phase this year, with construction slated for 2025 and 2026.
Funding for the redesign comes from the county’s Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan, a $20.2 million program that aims to enhance recreational park spaces throughout Oakland County. This includes $15 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Act, matched with an additional $5.2 million from Oakland County Parks. At least $1.5 million will go toward the Red Oaks Park project.
Oakland County Parks has contracted with Wade Trim for design and engineering
services. Those who attend the open house Aug. 5 will find the project still in its schematic design phase, and their feedback will help determine the scope and cost of the project. In the end, some items will be paid for with ARPA funds, while others will be funded by the county.
Folland said that Oakland County Parks has enjoyed its partnership with Madison Heights since their first venture together in 2012, when the county began leasing the Red Oaks Nature Center from the city through an agreement.
That deal was brokered by the late Gary McGillivray, who at the time was a member of the Oakland County Board of Commissioners. He is now the namesake of the new
playscape planned for Red Oaks Park, and the city plans to honor him by renaming Twelve-Sherry Park to McGillivray Park.
“The city prides itself on providing quality recreation experiences for its residents, and we (at the county) are pleased to continue the synergy with these innovative improvements at the new Red Oaks Park,” Folland said.
Sean Fleming, a member of the Madison Heights City Council, said such partnerships have worked well for Madison Heights.
“We still have that same park space within our city, but we’re saving money since the county pays to maintain it, build it up and manage it,” he said. “And our residents get more of a good thing.”
from page 5A
According to Eastpointe Police Lt. Alexander Holish, the incident started in Eastpointe during the early hours of July 5 and concluded that night with the suspect’s capture in Hazel Park.
It reportedly was around 7 a.m. when Eastpointe officers first spotted the suspect asleep at the wheel of a gray 2017 Chrysler Pacifica in the parking lot of a 7-Eleven store at Nine Mile and Hayes roads. Police ran a check on the vehicle and saw Taylor police had reported it as stolen.
Officers ordered the suspect to exit the vehicle. That’s when she reportedly put the vehicle in drive and made a sharp turn left, driving toward them, forcing the officers to jump out of harm’s way. The suspect also allegedly struck the front push-bumper of the patrol car before fleeing the scene.
Police pursued her as she allegedly barreled toward Gratiot Avenue, reportedly driving northbound in southbound lanes at speeds exceeding 70 miles per hour. The pursuit was terminated once it reached 10 Mile Road, due
to the speed of the chase and the reckless behavior of the driver.
“Pursuit was terminated for the safety of the public, which will always be the priority of the Eastpointe Police Department,” Holish said. “The Eastpointe Police Department will always do everything in our power to minimize the risk presented to innocent drivers, even if we have to temporarily allow the suspect to get away. We will continue working on cases like these and will succeed in taking the suspect into custody at a later time.”
Indeed, tips from Eastpointe police alerted Hazel Park police to the suspect vehicle. At around 8 p.m., a patrol officer in Hazel Park observed the car traveling northbound on John R Road from North Chrysler Drive. According to Hazel Park Police Chief William Hamel, officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but it accelerated and sideswiped another vehicle while fleeing police. An officer reportedly checked the affected vehicle and found no injuries.
Meanwhile, another officer pursued the suspect onto northbound Interstate 75 to 12 Mile Road and then back on southbound I-75 to Eight Mile Road. That’s when the suspect vehicle allegedly ran out of gas and slowed down. A male passenger jumped out of the
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vehicle prior to it coming to a stop and surrendered to officers. He has not been charged. The vehicle, meanwhile, coasted to a stop where the female driver was observed smoking a crack pipe and had to be removed from the vehicle before being placed under arrest, according to Hamel.
Hamel commended the officers for resolving the situation.
“Police officers every day are faced with making split-second decisions to engage in a
pursuit of a stolen vehicle and when not to. The officer’s safety and the public safety is placed in jeopardy when criminals elect to flee from police. Technology can only assist so much when apprehending a car thief,” Hamel said via email. “It takes a well-trained officer to apprehend a car thief and prevent another car (owner) from becoming a victim. I’m proud that our officers were able to stop this individual.”
Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
To view more Community Calendar and to submit your own event, visit candgnews.com/calendar. To advertise an event, call (586) 498-8000.
CLASS REUNIONS
AUG. 6
Education and Career Opportunities Fair: 2-6 p.m., Lexington Village Clubhouse, 31530 Concord Drive in Madison Heights, www.oakgov.com/business/ advantage-oakland/events-calendar
AUG. 9
Golf outing: Benefit for Madison Heights Recreation Department and Madison Heights Community Coalition, shotgun start at 8 a.m., also light breakfast, snacks and banquet after 18 holes, Sylvan Glen Golf Course, 5725 Rochester Road in Troy, (248) 589-2294
AUG. 16-17
Woodward Dream Cruise: Officially held 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Aug. 17, participating cities along 16-mile radius of M-1 include Ferndale, Pleasant Ridge, Huntington Woods, Berkley, Royal Oak, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township and Pontiac, more events for both days at woodwarddreamcruise.com
AUG. 24-25
Hazel Park Art Fair: Artists, musicians and food vendors, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 24 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 25, Green Acres Park, 620 W. Woodward Heights Blvd., artfair@hpart.org
ONGOING
Red Oaks Waterpark: Open select dates until Sept. 2,
1455 E. 13 Mile Road in Madison Heights, (248) 8580918, redoakswaterpark@oakgov.com, oakgov.com
Fun Fridays: Games, crafts, snacks and movies, 3 p.m. every Friday, Hazel Park District Library, 123 E. Nine Mile Road, (248) 546-4095, hpmlibrary@gmail. com, hazel-park.lib.mi.us
Senior card playing: Noon-3 p.m. every Monday and Thursday, Hazel Park Community Center, 620 W. Woodward Heights, (248) 547-5535, facebook.com/ CityofHP
Book clubs: Mind Readers (discussions of selfimprovement through self-help books and narrative nonfiction), LitWits (general club for avid readers), Novels & Neighbors (focuses on range of viewpoints and life experiences) and Golden Bookworms (for ages 50 and older), Madison Heights Public Library, 240 W. 13 Mile Road, find times, dates and more at madison-heights.org/1907/Book-Clubs
Social clubs: Ham Radio (7:30-9 p.m. every second Wednesday of month), Stitch & Knit (4-6 p.m. every first Thursday of Month), Lego/Pokémon (6:30-7:30 p.m. every first Tuesday of month) and various book clubs, Hazel Park District Library, 123 E. Nine Mile Road, (248) 546-4095, hpmlibrary@gmail.com, hazel-park.lib.mi.us
Hazel Park Garden Club: Workshops and events include Harvesting and Biological Insect Controls (Aug. 14), Fruit Tree Pruning and Berries Care (Aug. 28), Harvest Festival Potluck (Sept. 11), Beekeeping 102 (Sept. 25), Composting (Oct. 9), Vermicomposting (Oct. 23), Putting the Garden to Bed (Nov. 13), and Bug and Bat Houses (Nov. 27), noon, Hazel Park Community Center, 620 W. Woodward Heights, (248) 546-7000, facebook.com/HPBeautification
Speaker Series: Hear from bestselling authors and thought leaders, topics are “Behind the Scenes at the Space Station” (2 p.m. Aug. 7), “The Golden Ticket to College Admissions Is Not What You Think” (2 p.m. Aug. 15) and “An Exploration of Friendship, Reckoning, and Hope” (7 p.m. Aug. 21), Madison Heights Public Library, 240 W. 13 Mile Road, registration required, (248) 588-7763, libraryc.org/mhlibrary/upcoming
ADHD meetings: Hosted by CHADD of Eastern Oakland County, for adults and parents, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Zoom, see schedule on chadd.net/chapterevents/527
Health workshops: For ovarian cancer, diabetes, nutrition and more, hosted by Corewell Health, free and virtual, beaumonthealth.digitalsignup.com
Lupus support groups: 10 a.m. every second Tuesday of month and 7 p.m. every last Wednesday, Zoom, (248) 901-7299, milupus.org/support-groups
Birmingham Groves High School Class of 1984: 40-year reunion events include brunch at Beverly Park, Tigers game, tour of school’s new outdoor athletic facilities, and stay and celebration at Somerset Inn, Aug. 1-3, myevent.com/ grovesclassof84
Cousino High School Class of 1969: 55-year reunion, classes of 1967-1971 also welcome, 7 p.m. Sept. 6, Roger’s Roost, 33262 Schoenherr Road in Sterling Heights, RSVP to Larry Wilk at lwilk@comcast.net
Mount Clemens High School - All Alumni Night: Cash food and refreshments, 5 p.m. Sept. 13, Rec Bowl, 40 Crocker Blvd. in Mount Clemens, contact Ron Hiestand at (586) 463-6386 or drron82@yahoo.com with questions
Osborn High School Class of 1974: 50-year reunion includes dinner and open bar, 6-11 p.m. Sept. 20, Blossom Heath Inn, 24800 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores, osborn1974.com
Grosse Pointe North High School Class of 1974: 50-year reunion includes cash bar, food stations, photo booth and GPN gift, 5:30 p.m. Sept. 21, Grosse Pointe Yacht Club, 788 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Shores, also casual gathering 7 p.m. Sept. 20, WaterMark Bar and Grille, 24420 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores, grossepointenorth1974.com
from page 1A
The fire appears to have started in a family room in the back of the home. One possible cause is an improperly disposed cigarette. Story noted that the 80-year-old has had close calls with careless smoking in the past. He also noted that there was an overabundance of electrical cables plugged into the room. Either could have been the cause. Stacks of wood for a fireplace nearby may have fed the flames. At press time, no foul play was suspected.
After locating the bodies, firefighters continued to extinguish the blaze, putting out hot spots. The fire was fully controlled by 6:30 a.m. The heat had been so intense that the siding on a neighbor’s detached single-car garage melted away, despite a separation of roughly 40 feet.
The roof on the home caved in over two different rooms, and three rooms were fully destroyed. The rest of the structure was damaged by heat and smoke. The building has been declared a total loss.
At least one household cat was also found dead. At press time, two other cats appeared to be missing, and family members were searching the neighborhood for them.
Story said the fire was especially tragic, since there were no smoke detectors in the home that could have helped prevent it.
“We give away smoke detectors at the Fire Department,” Story said, referring to the fire station located at 22830 Russell Ave. “We give them away for free if you live in the city. Just show your ID.”
He offered his condolences to the family of the victims.
“I only spoke to the brother-in-law, but we’re here for them, both myself as a human and our entire Fire Department,” Story said. “We have a business line, and they can find us easily. Our hearts go out to them.”
The chief said he’s proud of how the firefighters handled the situation. He said that counseling is available to them if they need it.
“They did exactly what they should with all their knowledge and experience. I couldn’t be more proud of them, both my firefighters and the ones from Madison Heights,” Story said. “We deal with matters of life and death all the time, but usually when people die, it’s from a medical issue or something like a motor vehicle. Deaths from a structure fire are unusual. But at the end of the day, that’s why we’re here — to try and protect life and property.”
He also commended the driver who
alerted first responders to the fire.
“That person was probably on their way to work and could have dismissed it all as a bonfire, but they still took the time to respond. We owe them a huge thank you,
Trusted Plumbing
because they might have made the difference with their call. The fact that they took the time means volumes and shows that humanity still has good people who care, pay attention, and try to help.”
PUBLIC NOTICE TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES #2449, HAZEL PARK, MI.: The third and fnal reading of the By-Laws (including submitted suggested revisions), discussion and voting on revisions will be conducted on Thursday, August 1, 2024 at the regularly scheduled Aerie Meeting starting at 7:30 PM. Aerie #2449 Members only are eligible to vote. The meeting is being held at the Aerie, in the regular meeting room, located at 22010 N. Chrysler Dr., Hazel Park, MI., 48030. This meeting is open to all members of the Fraternal Order of Eagles who are in good standing. All Aerie #2449 members are strongly encouraged to attend.
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Costco charges escalate to international crime claims
TROY — On June 21, a Troy resident reported that in the beginning of May, he had received a phone call from an unknown male claiming to be with Costco customer service.
The caller said the man’s credit card had been used at a Costco in China and that the charges on the card had not been paid. The Troy man stated he had not been to China in years, and the caller told him he needed to make a report with police in China to document the fraud, and the caller transferred him, supposedly to the Chinese police.
The Troy resident then spoke with a man who said a report would be taken via Zoom. The Troy man spoke with a subject wearing a full police uniform who asked him questions about the incident. The subject then told the Troy man he was a suspect in a multi-million dollar theft by an international crime organization involved with the kidnapping of children.
The Troy man was transferred to a “case supervisor,” who contacted him daily. He was asked to transfer $115,000 to a Wells Fargo bank account and then was asked to transfer additional money to hold for his bail during the investigation.
Fake PayPal rep attempts
fraudulent transaction
TROY — A resident on Hamman Drive reported June 11 that he received an email that he thought was from PayPal about a recent charge on his account.
He googled a phone number for PayPal and called the number that came up. The victim spoke with an unknown woman, who stated PayPal would give him a refund and to type the amount of $400 into the refund box, but when he did, it turned into $40,000.
The victim was then instructed to go to his bank and complete a wire transfer for the $40,000. When he arrived at his bank, the suspect told him not to tell the bank employees it was for PayPal. The victim realized it was a scam and hung up.
Customer spits at Wendy’s drive-thru
TROY — A customer reportedly caused a disturbance at the Wendy’s at 3995 Rochester Road at 5:14 p.m. June 20 due to some issues with a credit card machine.
Officers found the customer standing at the drive-thru window yelling toward the inside of the building at the employees.
Officers spoke to the customer, a 37-year-old man from Sumter, South Carolina, who initially stated nothing had happened to cause a police response.
subject was upset over the credit card machine being down. They said he eventually approached the drive-thru window on foot and began yelling at the employees before spitting at the employee at the window. The employee closed the window, and the customer allegedly tried to open it and spit again, at which point police arrived.
When asked if he had spit at the employee, the man denied it, but he admitted to spitting at the drive-thru window.
He was arrested and transported to the Troy police lockup, where he was issued a citation for assault and battery.
Obscene images found painted at Troy Athens High School
TROY — A Troy Athens High School employee reported that an unknown suspect spray painted obscene images onto the outside and inside of the girls’ softball dugout and two of the home plates on the field, located at 4333 John R Road. The incident reportedly happened between 2:30 p.m. June 21 and 7:30 a.m. June 25, according to a police report.
Victim reports compromised Social Security account
TROY — A Troy resident reported June 17 that he had failed to receive his expected monthly Social Security check.
He checked online and discovered that the check had been issued and then deposited into a bank account that does not belong to him after someone fraudulently accessed his Social Security account and changed his information.
Hundreds of dollars of Nike items stolen from store
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — Police were dispatched to a sporting goods store in the 2100 block of South Telegraph Road for a retail fraud at approximately 7:30 p.m. June 29. Employees stated that at approximately 7 p.m. three females entered the store and placed several Nike apparel items into their shopping cart before walking out without paying for them.
Around $400-$600 worth of goods were stolen. Police were investigating.
Facebook marketplace exchange turns into unarmed robbery
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — The Bloomfield Township Police Department was dispatched to a market in the 1500 block of South Opdyke Road for
imately 11:30 a.m. June 30. The victim had posted her Apple iPhone 15 for sale on Facebook Marketplace and was supposed to meet the buyer at a grocery store in the area to make the exchange. The buyer arrived and began to bargain the price down. When the victim stated that the price was firm, the buyer allegedly grabbed the phone from the victim’s hand and ran away with it.
The victim and officers canvassed the area but were unable to locate the suspect.
The case was assigned to the Bloomfield Township investigations divisions.
Laundry detergent, diaper stolen from store
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — Police were dispatched to a grocery store in the 3600 block of West Maple Road for a retail fraud at approximately 3:30 p.m. June 26. Employees said two men and a woman pushed a shopping cart full of liquid Tide laundry detergent and diapers out of the store without paying for them. It is believed there were approximately 10 containers of detergent and 10 packages of diapers in the cart. The estimated total loss is $500. Police were investigating.
Purse stolen after car accident
SOUTHFIELD — A witness saw two vehicles get into an accident around 3:37 p.m. July 1 in the 20000 block of Southfield Road.
One of the individuals involved in the accident began yelling at the other. The witness then saw one of the parties reach into the other’s vehicle and steal a purse containing an iPhone and wallet.
Officers recover stolen vehicles with the help of trackers
SOUTHFIELD — At 1:42 a.m. July 2, officers arrived at a business in the 20000 block of Telegraph Road after four individuals broke in and stole multiple vehicles. Police recovered all of the vehicles thanks to the owner’s trackers on the cars.
Water gun stolen
SOUTHFIELD — At 9:04 p.m. July 7, a complainant reported that his water gun was stolen from his home in the 18000 block of Jeanette Street.
Motorcycle chase terminated due to pedestrian traffic downtown
Man cited for CPL violation at bar FARMINGTON — Police were dispatched to a local bar regarding a man with a firearm on his hip drinking in the business. Officers found the 24-yearold patron drinking at the bar with a pistol on his hip. The man possessed a valid concealed pistol license.. The pistol was unloaded, and it was secured in the trunk of the man’s vehicle. The man was issued a CPL violation for carrying in a restricted zone.
Stolen vehicle lacks plate FARMINGTON — An officer stopped a 2016 Buick Regal at Grand River and Farmington for not having a license plate at 3:44 a.m.
FARMINGTON — An officer saw a motorcycle with no plate heading east at Grand River and Farmington Road around 7:30 p.m. July 5. The officer attempted but the motorcycle fled eastbound on Grand River, passing slower traffic left of center and accelerating. Due to heavy pedestrian traffic in the downtown area, the officer did not pursue the motorcycle. The motorcycle was described as a red and black sports-bike style motorcycle. The case was forwarded to the detective bureau for further investigation.
