Driver Flees After Crashing Stolen Van Into Detroit Liquor Store
DETROIT (WWJ) - Authorities say a suspect used a stolen vehicle as a battery ram in an attempt to break into a liquor store on Detroit's east side.
The incident happened early Tuesday morning at the Big Daddy liquor store at the corner of Oakland Avenue and Owen Street, just west of I-75 near the border of Detroit and Hamtramck.
Officials say the suspect intentionally crashed the vehicle, which was reported stolen out of Hamtramck, into the building. When officers arrived, the suspect was nowhere in sight.
Reporting live from the scene, WWJ's Ron Dewey said the rear of the mini-van had been smashed into the side of the liquor store. But the crook made off empty-handed -- the building's walls are fortified with sheets of metal behind cinderblocks.
The business owner, who did not want to go on tape, said he's taken drastic measures to protect his property after being targeted nearly a dozen times in recent years. He estimates the damage from this latest incident will cost about $7,500 to repair.
The incident remains under investigation. Anyone who might have information is urged to contact police at 313-267-4600.
Stay with WWJ Newsradio 950 and CBSDetroit.com for the latest.