Sterling Heights Car lot suffers 17 thefts

Sterling Heights firm gets Chrysler models taken in weekend heist; 1 driver is arrested.

Edward L. Cardenas / The Detroit News

STERLING HEIGHTS -- Police are investigating the theft of some of DaimlerChrysler's hottest vehicles from a private lot in Sterling Heights.

An estimated 17 vehicles, including Dodge Chargers and Magnums, and Chrysler 300Cs, were stolen over the weekend from the Minority Auto Handling Specialists lot on 17 Mile at Van Dyke. The facility holds completed cars before they are shipped to dealerships.

The most recent theft came Monday when eight vehicles were stolen from the lot of the auto transport company.

So far, police have recovered six vehicles, all with some damage from the theft or chase.

"They split up as they went out of the lot," said Sterling Heights Police Lt. Robert Henigan. "All but one of the drivers got away."

The one driver who was arrested near Ryan and Hearns was arraigned Tuesday in Sterling Heights 41-A District Court. Terrell Sims, 21, of Detroit was charged with fleeing and eluding and unlawful driving away of an auto.

He is being held on $30,000 bond in the Macomb County Jail.

"This was a well-organized theft, but a loosely organized group," said Lt. John Michalke, commander of the multi-agency Macomb Auto Theft Squad.

"We have talked about security," said Mike Aberlich, spokesman for DaimlerChrysler.