Suspects posing as DTE workers allegedly kill Michigan man, duct tape his wife, sheriff says
ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) - The Oakland County Sheriff's Office is searching for suspects who posed as DTE workers and allegedly killed a 72-year-old man and duct taped his wife in their home on Friday.
Police received a call sometime after noon about a home invasion in the 3700 block of Newcastle Drive in Rochester Hills.
Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard says a preliminary investigation revealed that two suspects went to the home, claiming to be DTE workers and needed access to the home for a gas leak. Bouchard says the male victim took the individuals to the basement.
"The [victim's] wife didn't see the husband again. They came up a short time later and restrained her, duct taped her, and then for about 20 minutes searched the house and then left," Bouchard told CBS News Detroit.
The sheriff's office said the woman thought her husband was kidnapped. However, the victim was found dead in the basement during a search of the home. The cause of death is unknown.
"There was quite a bit of blood, so we're not sure if it was blunt force trauma or whether there was a gunshot or what it was," Bouchard said.
The victim's wife, 72, was taken to a hospital for treatment. Police say the male victim was a business owner in Wayne County.
Bouchard said the suspects came to the home in a pickup truck with a DTE placard on it. He said the suspects attempted to access the home Thursday night but were denied and returned on Friday, when they were allowed inside.
The sheriff's office is seeking anyone in the area who has a security camera or video from 8 p.m. Thursday through noon Friday.
Bouchard also urges homeowners to verify the companies of anyone who approaches their homes.
"Look it up yourself, call the number and see if they have workers there before you give them access to your home," he said.
DTE issued the following statement on Friday:
"Our hearts go out to the victims of this horrific and tragic event, and we hope the perpetrators are quickly apprehended and brought to justice.
"If anyone arrives at your home or business claiming they are from DTE, please ask to see a badge with a photo ID. If the person refuses to show their badge, do not allow them entry into your home. If the person becomes agitated or acts in a strange manner, call 911 immediately."
The utility company provided additional information for homeowners who are approached by someone claiming to be a DTE worker and wanting to come into their home:
- Know your gas provider. Just because DTE supplies your electricity, it does not mean they supply your gas as well. Impersonators aren't always aware of our service territory. Please note that while DTE does not provide residential gas distribution in Rochester Hills, it does operate gas transmission pipelines in the area.
- Before DTE makes a routine visit to your home, we will make every effort to contact you in advance, either by phone from our call center or via email or text message.
- It is very rare that a DTE employee needs to enter your home, but it does happen. DTE will use every opportunity to make you aware of any work that needs to be done at your home and, if possible, will contact you in advance to schedule a time for the work to be completed.
- All DTE Electric and DTE Gas employees and contractors carry photo identification badges and are required to show their badges when asked.
- Customers should ask the employee why they are there and, if necessary, call 800-477-4747 to confirm before allowing entry or access to their property. Keep your door locked while you are making the call, and only speak through a locked screen door if it's necessary to talk to the person.
