Seven suspects aged 21 and under were arraigned in Metro Detroit on August 16 in connection to a wave of Ford Bronco Raptor thefts in the area.
According to a report from CBS Detroit, the investigation related to this case was actually opened by the Canton Police Department back in October 2022. At the time, seven 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor SUVs were stolen out of a Ford-owned lot in Canton Township. Several more Bronco Raptors were also stolen from lots in Dearborn and Woodhaven that same fall, with investigators believing the thefts were all connected in some form. The Special Operations Group within the Canton Police Department initiated a large investigation into the missing trucks, ultimately locating 15 stolen vehicles. Ten of the recovered vehicles were missing Bronco Raptors, while five additional vehicles were also located during the search. The recoveries took place across Michigan, as well as out of state in Texas, Arizona, and Alaska. Investigators also recovered an AR-style pistol, as well as $28,426 in cash. Police officials believe the large sum of money was acquired by way of the sale of stolen vehicles.
The case reached a new point on August 15, when officers from several Michigan police departments arrested seven suspects in connection to 16 Bronco Raptor thefts. The resale value of those vehicles exceeds $1,760,000.
"We applaud the outstanding efforts of our police officers and partners in ensuring community safety,” said Canton Police Chief Chad Baugh in a statement. “Their dedication and collaborative investigations underscore our commitment to our citizens. Our sincere appreciation goes to the Wayne County Prosecutor's office and our policing partners for their unwavering commitment to service."
All seven suspects were charged in the 35th District Court, with their next court appearance set for August 25.
Born and raised in Metro Detroit, associate editor Lucas Bell has spent his entire life surrounded by the automotive industry. He may daily drive an aging Mustang, but his Porsche 944 and NB Miata both take up most of his free time.
