Police Say Former Teacher Drove Getaway Car for Teens Breaking into Cars in Clinton Twp.

Clinton Township police say a former Detroit charter school teacher served as the getaway driver for two 16-year-olds in a series of car break-ins Thursday morning at The Harbours Apartments on Hall Road.

Police say the teens were wearing ski masks and breaking into cars with a crowbar, while the 35-year-old former teacher drove them around the complex. All three were residents, according to police.

Det. Capt. Richard Maierle said a resident in the apartments was alerted to the break-ins at around 3 a.m. Thursday when he heard his car alarm go off after the teens smashed one of the windows.

The man told police he and his roommate ran outside in time to see the teens take off down the street.

After driving his car to a friend’s house for safekeeping, the resident returned to his apartment and saw what he believed were the suspects driving away, according to police.

Driven by his friend, the man followed the vehicle to get a license plate number, but as the cars passed one another, one of the teens pointed a stolen .45-caliber Glock handgun at the friend's vehicle and fired. One of the bullets hit the car, but no one was injured, according to police.

The men called 911 and officers stopped the car, arresting all three of the occupants.

The former teacher is being held at the Macomb County Jail and the teens have been placed in a youth home as they await a court date.

Maierle said police are pursuing warrants for all three.