On Thursday July 6th, 2017, at approximately 3:00am, Chesterfield Township Officers responded to an alarm at the “Chesterfield Auto Wash”. Upon their arrival they confronted suspect Gage Bernier in one of the wash bays, spraying water onto an unoccupied U-HAUL van. Gage Bernier was unable to produce any form of identification and Officers noted that he began to “shake” and “sweat” while they spoke with him. Another Officer then walked around the UHAUL van to begin inspecting the perimeter of the business and immediately noticed a hole smashed through the block wall that led into the maintenance/equipment room. As Officers were detaining suspect Bernier, Chesterfield Dispatchers advised the Officers that they were on the phone with the owner, that he was viewing real time surveillance video remotely, and that he could see (2) additional suspects inside of the maintenance/equipment room. After commands from the Officers for the suspects to exit through the hole, both Michael Whipkey and Andrew Brookins emerged and were taken into custody without incident. Inside of the UHAUL Officers located an assortment of burglary tools, including a sledge hammer, bolt cutters, a pry bar, and a hack saw.
After review today by the Macomb County Prosecutors Office all (3) suspects were charged with: “Breaking and Entering a Building With Intent” (10 year felony), “Possession of Burglary Tools” (10 year felony), and “Breaking and Entering a Coin Box” (6 month misdemeanor). They were arraigned today at the 42-2 District Court in New Baltimore via video from the Chesterfield Township Police Department and are currently being held at the Macomb County Jail on cash bonds ranging from $5,000.00 to $10,000.00
SUSPECTS:
Gage Bernier, 20 years old, from Almont MI
Michael Whipkey, 27 years old, from Roseville MI
Andrew Brookins, 19 years old, from Warren MI
LOCATION:
47220 Gratiot, “Chesterfield Auto Wash”, Chesterfield Township MI
