11/19/08 Carjacking crew busted in Southfield

By Charles Sercombe

An arrest of four carjacking suspects helped close a carjacking case in Hamtramck.

Recently, Southfield police arrested four carjacking suspects after a brief chase. As it turned out, the car they used to commit the carjacking was carjacked in Hamtramck on Oct. 12.

Justin Williams, 17, of Detroit, allegedly walked up to a man washing his car in front of his house on Dequindre, pointed a gun at him and drove off in his car.

Williams then allegedly teamed up with three others and committed street robberies in Ferndale and Royal Oak. They then went to Southfield and committed a carjacking.

Last Thursday, Williams faced a preliminary Examination in Hamtramck 31st District Court. There was enough evidence that he had committed a crime, and he was bound over to Wayne County Circuit Court for further criminal proceedings.

He faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.

He also faces additional charges in Oakland County.

Also in Hamtramck 31st District Court last Thursday was Raymond Donald, 17, of Detroit, facing unrelated carjacking charges. Due to a technicality, the charges have to be re-submitted.

Auto theft investigator Glen Kay said Donald walked up to a Hamtramck woman sitting in a Chrysler 300 on Charest St. on Nov. 1 and pointed a sawed-off shotgun at her.

Another man may have been involved.

Donald was caught the next day by Detroit police after a brief chase that ended with Donald crashing into a tree.

He, too, faces life in prison if convicted.

Kay said drivers should be extra cautious during the holidays. He said that’s when car break-ins increase.

The Hamtramck Police Department is selling the steering wheel locking device known as The Club for $11 at City Hall. You do not have to be a Hamtramck resident to purchase the device.