Suspects In Custody In Marvin Winans Carjacking
DETROIT (WWJ) - Suspects who police believe are responsible for attacking and car-jacking prominent Detroit pastor and gospel star Marvin Winans are now in custody.
That's according to a Detroit police spokesperson talking to WWJ Newsradio 950 on Friday. Police wouldn't, however, confirm reports that police are questioning three people.
Speaking to reporters Thursday afternoon Police Chief Ralph Godbee said investigators are making significant progress.
"We have identified positively two suspects. We've submitted a warrant request to (Wayne County) prosecutor Worthy's office. We anticipate that it will be signed and we are actively seeking those two suspects," Godbee said.
There was no surveillance footage of the incident. Godbee said these leads came from officers who had responded to a loitering complaint at the location earlier that day.
Godbee said investigators had reason to believe that two suspects, a 17-year-old and a 20-year-old, were still in Detroit.
While the two men taken into custody on
Thursday may not have been directly involved in the carjacking, sources are saying they were at the gas station before or after it happened.
Winans was filling up his SUV at a Citgo gas station at Linwood and the Davison when a group of young men attacked him. The thieves took off with his luxury SUV, some cash and a Rolex watch.
Police reportedly found the stolen vehicle Thursday night, by an abandoned home on Wager and Dexter streets on the city's west side.
Winans is recovering at home. He suffered a broken finger in the attack.
"I'm more saddened by this incident than being physically hurt. I grew up in Detroit and have never encountered anything like this. I want to thank every one for their calls of concern and words of encouragement," Winans said in a statement. "I believe in the power of prayer and the unity that can be gained in a community when we band together."
While some may believe the incident points to escalating crime in the city, Godbee says that's not the case.
"Our crime rate is on par with last year," said Godbee. "Is it acceptable? Absolutely not. But considering we're about 300 officers fewer than just two years ago ... these officers are doing a tremendous job."
Meantime, Detroit City councilman Kwame Kenyatta has proposed requiring all late night and 24-hour gas stations to staff security. The trade group that represents gas station and convenient store owners oppose the idea.
