Thieves escape vehicle fire after stealing car

Two men who escaped a burning vehicle on Wednesday, October 5, near Quarton and Blanford roads in Bloomfield Township, are suspected of stealing a purse from a parked car just moments before the fire, police said.

Bloomfield Township police said officers responded about 7:30 p.m. for a theft complaint in the parking lot of Szechuan Gourmet, 3951 Telegraph Road, and spoke with the female victim. Police said the woman went inside the restaurant to retrieve an order when two young males entered her unlocked vehicle and stole her purse. The men were then observed getting into a red Cadillac sedan and fleeing the scene.

While still on the scene, officers received a report of a car fire in the area of Quarton and Blandford roads. Police said the vehicle matched that of the two men, who were observed exiting the burning vehicle and running away from the scene. A K-9 unit with the Berkley Police Department assisted at the scene, but were unable to locate the men.

Police said the victim’s belongings, including a purse, wallet, checkbook, iPad and other personal items, were recovered from the burning sedan.

Police ask anyone with information about the incident to contact the Bloomfield Township Police Department at 248.433.7755.