DEARBORN, Michigan – The Dearborn Police Department, in conjunction with several surrounding communities , has been investigating the thefts of over 100 Catalytic Converters. Through regional cooperation and citizen assistance officers were able to develop substantial leads as to vehicle and suspect descriptions. This ultimately led to the identification and arrest of the responsible suspects.
Ronald Peterson
Fayonia Berry
On April 4, 2012 the Dearborn Police Departments, Special Operations Unit observed a vehicle matching the description of the suspect vehicle wanted in connection with the multiple Larcenies (Catalytic Converters) in the City of Dearborn and surrounding communities.
Officers began a surveillance, which led them through several jurisdictions, while in the city of Madison Heights, Michigan officers observed the listed suspects commit 3 larcenies of catalytic converters. Officers then arrested Ronald Peterson and Fayonia Berry for the larcenies.
Peterson and Berry were charged by the Oakland County Auto Theft Unit with 3 Felony Larceny from Vehicles in Oakland County. Peterson was given a $15,000 cash bond and Berry a $10,000 cash bond and are being held at the Oakland County Jail.
On April 11, 2011, the Dearborn Police Department obtained felony charges for Dearborn incidents. Ronald Peterson for 1 count of Unlawful Driving Away of an Automobile, Receiving and Concealing a stolen motor vehicle, 5 counts of felony larceny from vehicle (catalytic converters) and a habitual 4th notice in Wayne County.
On April 13, 2012, Ronald Peterson was arraigned in the 19 th District Court in front of Judge Richard Wygonik. Peterson is scheduled to appear in the 19 th District Court for his preliminary exam on April 27, 2012 at 9:00am in courtroom #2. Peterson was issued a $100,000.00 cash bond on the charges.
Chief Haddad stated that Peterson and Berry are involved in thefts in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. “This is an example of how regional partnerships and citizen assistance allow our department to be more effective in defeating the criminal element.”