09/04/12 Detroit, MI – Secret Service Truck Stolen From Motel In Downtown Detroit – Sensitive Equipment And VIP Electronics In It

September 4, 2012

freep.com

A U-Haul truck that contained equipment for the U.S. Secret Service was recovered Monday, two days after it was stolen in downtown Detroit.

Ed Donovan, spokesman for the Secret Service, said the Detroit Police Department recovered the truck from the parking lot of an apartment complex near Henry Ford Hospital.

He said they’re still assessing what was taken.

“It appears that some, but not all, of our equipment has been recovered,” Donovan said.

Some of the equipment was found Monday morning at an abandoned property on Dolphin Street, Donovan said.

Elizabeth Pearce, who lives several doors down from that property, said she believes the items were dumped around 11:30 p.m. Sunday because she heard what she described as a “scrape and a bump” outside.

But since her dog didn’t react, Pearce didn’t think anything of the noises until Monday, when she saw two gray cases and one black case at the property. Inside, she said, were metal detectors.

“Somebody stole it, didn’t know what they had, and when they realized they couldn’t fence it, they probably dumped it here,” Pearce said.

Some of the materials were marked with U.S.S., she said.

She called two Detroit police precincts, then called 911. Within an hour, two police officers showed up. Later, the Secret Service arrived.

Detroit Police Sgt. Eren Stephens confirmed the recovery of the truck.

Police on Monday issued surveillance video and still pictures of a suspect in the theft. He was wearing a green shirt and dark-colored shorts when he was spotted walking up to the U-Haul.

Police are asking the public for assistance in locating the man. Anyone with information should call 313-596-2555 or Crime Stoppers at 800-SPEAKUP (800-773-2587).

Donovan said Sunday that the agency rented the truck to haul equipment, some of which was in the vehicle when it was stolen from a hotel parking lot near Washington and Michigan Avenue.

He wouldn’t describe the equipment inside but said the agency had everything it needed to secure appearances Monday by Vice President Joe Biden.

The Labor Day parade featuring Biden went off without any problems. He also appeared at a noon rally downtown.