Latest news with #SterlingHeights
CBS News
3 days ago
- CBS News
Sterling Heights police, Michigan state troopers rescue missing 78-year-old man after 10-hour search
A missing 78-year-old man was found Friday evening in Sterling Heights after a 10-hour search that included a Michigan State Police helicopter unit and several teams on the ground. The Sterling Heights man, who state police said has dementia, was found alive and conscious in a heavily wooded area of Dodge Park. The city park, which is along Utica Road, includes over 51 acres. The man was reported missing earlier in the day, with a "full-scale search" initiated by the Sterling Heights Police Department. As night fell with his whereabouts still unknown, the Michigan State Police Trooper 2 helicopter team joined the search. About 9:30 p.m., the aviation team saw on their tracking equipment the image of what appeared to be a person just off a Dodge Park trail. Sunset had taken place at 8:59 p.m. that night in Sterling Heights. "I believe we've found your subject," the helicopter team called out to dispatchers in a video provided by Michigan State Police. Then speaking to the crews on the ground, the air crew said, "Whomever just hit me with the light, he's about 10 feet in front of you." The man was about 100 yards into the woods, lying in mud beneath a tree, the police report said. Given his condition, officers carried him out of the woods to the trail, where he was placed in the Kubota utility vehicle and transported to Farmstead Park, which is a nearby city-owned park in Sterling Heights. Medical crews met the missing man and police at Farmstead Park and took him to the hospital. He has been reunited with family. The man was reported in stable condition Monday and is expected to make a full recovery. "There is no doubt in our minds that had it not been for the critical assistance of the Michigan State Police helicopter, this outcome could have been very different," Sterling Heights Police Chief Andy Satterfield said. "All of the officers involved demonstrated unwavering determination, and their teamwork, skill, and refusal to give up quite literally saved a life." The Sterling Heights department extended its gratitude to Michigan State Police, Sterling Heights Community Emergency Response Team, Citizens' Patrol, Police Explorers, and other officers who were involved in the search.
CBS News
3 days ago
- CBS News
Sterling Heights man charged with bank robbery, faces up to life in prison
A bank robbery in Sterling Heights, Michigan, has resulted in a local man taken into custody and charged, the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office said. Armand David Saroli, 52, of Sterling Heights, is facing the felony charge of bank robbery, which is punishable by up to life in prison. The robbery happened about 1:28 p.m. Wednesday at a bank in Sterling Heights. The suspect gave a note to a teller, allegedly demanding money, which was provided. The culprit then left the bank. Saroli was later captured by police. An arraignment took place at Sterling Heights District Court 41-A. Bond was set at $750,000. If he is released from jail, Saroli will be ordered to wear a tether, prosecutors said. A probable cause conference is scheduled for Aug. 7, with a preliminary exam scheduled for Aug. 14.
CBS News
6 days ago
- CBS News
Detroit teen convicted of murder in Sterling Heights crash that killed pregnant mother, unborn child
A Detroit man has been convicted of second-degree murder in an August 2023 Sterling Heights crash that killed a pregnant mother and her unborn child. Travion Smith, 18, was convicted Thursday of second-degree murder, causing the miscarriage of a pregnant individual, two counts of reckless driving causing serious impairment and first-degree fleeing and eluding a police officer. Prosecutors allege that Smith, who was 16 at the time of the crash, was driving eastbound on Van Dyke Avenue at 15 Mile Road around 9:30 p.m. on Aug. 12, 2023, when police attempted to pull him over. Smith allegedly proceeded to lead police on a high-speed chase, with speeds exceeding more than 90 miles per hour, and ran a red light at 16 Mile and Van Dyke. Smith struck a vehicle occupied by 31-year-old Faith Gumma, her husband, Norman Gumma, and their 4-year-old son. Faith Gumma and her unborn child were killed in the crash, while her husband was paralyzed. Their 4-year-old son was also seriously injured but has since recovered. "This time, a jury has spoken! Enough is enough! This jury verdict reminds us all that every choice we make carries consequences that go far beyond the moment. This young man's decision to flee from a routine traffic stop has left an overwhelming loss. His actions not only shattered a family but also eroded the community's sense of security. Our office will always tirelessly pursue justice for the families who have to live with these unnecessary, tragic events," said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido in a statement. Lucido has called for bipartisan legislation to address what he calls a "growing public safety threat of drivers who refuse to stop for law enforcement." "Every time someone runs, they roll the dice with innocent lives. I want to end that gamble," Lucido said. "We need statutory enhancement of consequences including mandatory prison time. The people of the state of Michigan deserve to be protected." Smith will be sentenced on Aug. 26. The video above originally aired on Aug. 14, 2023.
CBS News
17-07-2025
- CBS News
Center Line man accused in deadly Sterling Heights hotel shooting heads to trial
A Center Line man will stand trial for allegedly fatally shooting another man at a hotel and then leading police on a standoff for several hours in February, Macomb County prosecutors said. Luke Svacha, 51, is accused of shooting and killing Jajuan Marls, 24, at an Extended Stay America hotel in Sterling Heights on Feb. 1, 2025. Following the deadly shooting, authorities say Svacha left the hotel and returned to his Center Line home, where, after several hours of negotiations with police, he eventually dropped his firearm and was arrested. Svacha was charged with first-degree premeditated murder, felony firearm, carrying a concealed weapon and resisting and obstructing a police officer. During a preliminary examination on Wednesday, a judge bound Svacha over on all charges except the resisting and obstructing an officer charge because the judge did not find enough evidence to move forward on that charge, according to prosecutors. "Our priority is pursuing justice for the victim and protecting the safety of Macomb County. We will continue to move forward with this case to ensure accountability under the law," said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido in a statement. Svacha is scheduled to be arraigned on Aug. 4.
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Yahoo
Police, SWAT respond to Sterling Heights Stellantis plant for ‘ongoing situation'
Employees were evacuated and police and S.W.A.T. responded to the Stellantis Sterling Heights Assembly Plant after an armed man entered the facility in the evening of Saturday, July 12. A spokesperson for Stellantis confirmed that the man has been taken into custody. "Employees will be offered counseling when production resumes. Production was not running at the time of the incident." The Sterling Heights Assembly Plant is where Stellantis — the company that owns Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Fiat — produces the Ram 1500 truck. More: GM pickup-truck plant in Mexico pauses output for several weeks Production on weekends at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant is limited. According to the company's spokesperson, only a skeleton crew of skilled trades workers were there. It is unclear at this time if there have been any injuries. On Facebook, commenters expressed concern over the situation and told their friends to check up on any family members who worked at the plant. More: Stellantis needs this new Jeep that revives a classic name to be a hit Though people on Facebook called it a shooting, the Stellantis spokesperson refuted this claim and said that would not be an accurate description of the situation. This is a developing story. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Police respond to 'situation' at Sterling Heights Stellantis plant
