Crime & Safety
Man Faces Pre-trial in Bold Theft From Golling Dealership
A thief posing as a customer at the Bloomfield Township dealership got away with one vehicle but was caught when he came back for another.
Authorities say a 23-year-old man got away with driving one vehicle off the lot at Golling Chrysler in Bloomfield Township, but not second time when he returned the next day.
Michael Thornton appeared briefly before Oakland County Circuit Judge Nanci Grant on Thursday for formal arraignment on charges of larceny of more than $20,000, and unlawfully driving away an automobile, records show. A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf.
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Thornton waived his preliminary hearing in 48th District Court last month. He is scheduled to appear for a pre-trial hearing on July 11, and remains at the Oakland County Jail on $100,000 bond. He faces up to 10 years in prison, if convicted.
Bloomfield Township Police officers responded to stolen vehicle report from the Golling Chrysler lot on June 12, reports said. Employees said a man entered the dealership and asked to test drive a 2013 Dodge Charger. He only started the vehicle, per the dealership's policy, and said he wanted to purchase it but needed to make a phone call. Reports indicated he grabbed the car keys from the salesperson's desk as he helped another customer and drove away in the vehicle, estimated at $52,000.
Officers returned to the business at about 11:30 a.m. the next day when an employee reported the suspect was back and attempting to steal another car. They arrested him without incident and took him to jail.Â
The investigation is ongoing.Â
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