Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield is working with the organizers of recent downtown teen takeovers to create safe, designated spaces for youth to gather.

The initiative follows large gatherings on March 30, which was also Detroit Tigers Opening Day, that erupted into fights and disrupted businesses, fans and pedestrians.

Watch the video report below: Detroit mayor to work with 'Teen Takeover' organizers to create safe gathering spaces

"So we are actively working with this group of young people to explore designated spaces in our city, curated environments, sanctioned gatherings and safe zones where teens can come together, enjoy downtown and be a part of the life of this amazing city in a structured, supported and safe way," Sheffield said.

Sheffield stood alongside Police Chief Todd Bettison and the organizers of the "Teen Takeover" events during a press conference Friday.

Watch an earlier video report below: Mayor Mary Sheffield speaks on teen takeovers in Downtown Detroit

Were going to make sure that public safety is there and that we put things in place so they can enjoy, come out and have a safe place with activities," Bettison said.

Sheffield said when she saw footage of the event during the Tigers home opener, she recognized the teens' leadership abilities and capacity to mobilize. She said that energy is not something to shut down, but rather to channel and direct.

While Sheffield noted there is a place for accountability and enforcement, she emphasized that most of the youth who showed up downtown simply want to enjoy the city safely.

Watch the full press conference below: Mayor Mary Sheffield speaks on teen takeovers in Downtown Detroit

The recent takeovers forced some downtown businesses to close early on Opening Day. Grace Keros, who owns American Coney Island and sits on the board of the Detroit Restaurant and Lodging Association, described the disruptions.

"They're running into stores just causing trouble, twerking, taking pants down, just doing things. There's little kids that are in restaurants. There's people, so people either get scared or annoyed or they don't want to deal with it and they walk out and leave," Keros said.

"It's the safety of my staff and my customers in the restaurant and the people out on the sidewalks that are walking back to their cars that have gone to the game that just wanted to grab a hot dog or something before they get to the car to drive home. That is my main concern."

Keros welcomed the news that city leaders met with the organizers Wednesday and offered a message to the teens involved in the mass gatherings.

"Find an activity, get busy. I'm hiring. Come on, I'll give you a job. Make some money, and then go out and have some fun, but good fun," Keros said.

Other Detroiters expressed frustration over the gatherings and a desire for youth to find better outlets.

"We definitely need, these kids need to be out here doing something more productive for sure," Charlotte Robinson said.

"Todays world is not like when I was coming up: kids wouldnt have been out I couldnt have been out in the street. What kind of parents do they have?" Sherry Barnes said.

"It start from home, but it needs to go back to how we were brought up," Gary Smith said.

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Detroit police are searching for a missing woman on the citys west side as troubling details emerge about the days leading up to her disappearance.

Watch Randy Wimbley's video report: Detroit police search for Caitlin Tressler, missing woman on west side

Caitlin Tressler was last seen at her home on Webb Street on March 27. The Detroit Police Department said her family reported her missing on April 2.

Sgt Daron Zhou says the Detroit Police Department is actively investigating Tressler's disappearance.

Neighbors reported hearing what sounded like a fight involving Tressler's boyfriend on the day she was last seen. Demarion Harvest, who lives in the unit above Tressler, said he had not seen her for a few days before the altercation.

"I'm guessing it was a fist fight because the cops showed up and everything late that night," Harvest said.

Harvest said Tressler's boyfriend, who is not being named because he has not been charged with a crime, left town the following day.

"He was able to leave that very next day, that Saturday. He got a U-Haul and took off and left town. Where he went, I don't know," Harvest said.

Harvest said he did not see Tressler after that day. Elisha Georgiades, a close friend of Tressler, said she fears for her safety.

"She sent me a text, um, through Facebook in February, telling me that she was moving back to Detroit, and that she had left her boyfriend, saying that she still loved him, and - but that, that he had done really bad things that she hadn't told me about," Georgiades said. "I was talking to her recently, saying that, and Cat said that he was there, that he had come to Detroit, and that they were back together. And thinking about moving back to Charlottesville yet again together."

Harvest said police made several visits to the house in the days following the incident.

"I think it was either that Sunday or either that Monday, they came by and did their first wellness check, and then after that they came back maybe a couple more times and then after that they came back with the full on looked like guys with SWAT gear and everything and they banged on the door and forced their way in," Harvest said.

Tressler was nowhere to be found. Now, her family and friends are hoping she is found safe.

"She is a beautiful soul, beautiful person. She is very kind. She probably made friends while she was there," Georgiades said.

"Caitlin, man, she seemed so nice and bubbly and friendly and neighborly, man," Harvest said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Detroit Police Department's Missing Persons hotline at 313-596-2260 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.

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Detroit police are searching for auto thieves that recently targeted Chevy Blazers on the city's east side. Sources told 7 News Detroit the vehicles are sought after for their high-value parts.

Surveillance video captured the moment suspects smashed their way into a 2025 Chevy Blazer. Kenyonia Leveston said a couple of thieves broke into her SUV and drove off with it Easter morning.

"I was like, wow. He got his Crocs in sports mode and he's taking my car, like what the heck. He doesn't even care he don't even care to put on gym shoes. He can't even steal it with class," Leveston said.

Leveston said her year-old vehicle was stolen from her driveway early Sunday. Officers told her the Blazer is currently a top target.

"Not this particular year car. It's just the Blazer entirely. So he (police) was just saying that they're targeting this car and the Grand Cherokee," Leveston said.

Watch the surveillance video below: Video shows car stolen from Detroit driveway

The very next day, thieves targeted another Blazer about a mile from Leveston's home. The owner said it was only in the driveway for 15 minutes before a man smashed the window. Once inside, an accomplice helped push the SUV before it and a getaway vehicle sped off.

"Same guy with the same Crocs on back in sports mode stealing again," Leveston said. "Yes, these are the same people. They're all connected."

Detroit police have not confirmed a connection, but auto theft sources told me Blazers are targeted because their parts are often worth more than the vehicle itself.

Retired Detroit Police Department Assistant Chief Steve Dolunt explained the black-market demand.

"If you own a collision shop and you're legit, you're getting legit parts from dealers. But if you're not legit, you buy them from me or from you, whoever off the street at a fraction of the cost, charge the consumer the full price, and they don't know," Dolunt said.

Anyone with information about the SUV thefts or who recognizes the people in the video is asked to call the Detroit Police Department Commercial Auto Theft Unit at 313-596-2555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Public safety officials in Ann Arbor are increasing staffing and opening the Emergency Operations Center as University of Michigan students and fans prepare for the men's basketball championship game Monday night.

Watch Randy Wimbley's video report: Fans flood downtown Ann Arbor ahead of tonight's title game

Ann Arbor Police Chief Andre Anderson said officers will be out in droves to ensure celebrations remain safe.

"The plan for us is to have a visible presence and to be working in concert with the community," Anderson said. "We know we have great relationships with the people in this community, and we expect them to act accordingly, and that means no tearing up your own community. This is a win, lets win successfully."

The Ann Arbor Fire Department is also taking proactive steps by adding staff and conducting occupancy checks at local bars and restaurants.

"Were going to have a lot of our key partners in here sitting here in the room tonight. The video wall allows us to pull up camera feeds around the city. Well have drone footage coming in live in this space," Emergency Manager Sydney Parmenter said.

"So if there were to be any celebratory fires, we want to respond to them immediately, keep them while theyre small, and that kind of keeps from large crowds being involved," Ann Arbor Fire Chief Mike Kennedy said.

Kennedy also said crews will use a utility terrain vehicle to navigate the crowds.

The atmosphere in Ann Arbor is electric, with students camping out overnight to secure spots inside local bars and restaurants to watch the game. Some students packed the Brown Jug by noon Monday.

Watch Brad Galli's report from Indianapolis on tonight's game: Michigan chasing national title tonight

"We slept on the sidewalk last night," University of Michigan student Ryan Sestak said.

The last time the University of Michigan mens basketball program won a national title was 1989, and their last championship appearance was in 2018.

"Born and raised in Ann Arbor, this means a lot to all of us," Eric Shen said.

"In my life, I remember 2013 we lost in the championship, 2018 we lost in the championship; both of those core memories were just a letdown, but Im hoping tonight will be different," Mateo Palomares said.

"Its been 30 years, its time! Its our time!" Olivia Stern and Ella McDonnell said.

"Everyones like, I want to be a part of history, we are history tonight. We are history today," Olivia Kaji said.

The University of Michigan Police Department is also encouraging students and visitors to prioritize safety. The department advised fans to plan ahead, celebrate and gamble responsibly, use the buddy system, and respect the community by avoiding property damage and unauthorized fires.

"Final Four weekend is an opportunity to come together and celebrate," UMPD Deputy Chief Melissa Overton said. "We want everyone to enjoy the moment while making thoughtful choices that keep our community safe."

UMPD will have an increased presence throughout campus and surrounding areas. Officials remind the public that all laws and university policies, including open-container laws, remain in effect.

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Gerald Towns was arraigned Friday on murder, conspiracy and witness intimidation charges in connection with the October death of 42-year-old Robert Harbin on Detroits east side.

Watch Randy Wimbley's video report: 3 face murder charges in a deadly plot to silence a Detroit witness

Harbin was set to testify against Towns, who allegedly shot at him in September. Investigators said Harbin was silenced before he could take the stand.

Tycie Parham and Bekelba Holland are also charged in Robert Harbin's murder.

Watch Gerald Towns' arraignment in the video player below: RAW VIDEO: Arraignment of Gerald Towns

Investigators said Holland followed Robert Harbin to a home on Kelly Road near Moross and shot into his car. Robert Harbin later died.

Authorities said Towns and Parham aided and abetted Holland, who is facing murder and weapons charges in the fatal shooting.

"It broke me, broke my heart for real. It just didn't feel real," Aaliyah Harbin said.

Aaliyah Harbin is Robert Harbin's daughter.

"He meant everything to me, you know, I still love him as a dad. I'm glad he was here with me, trying to grow bonds with me after that," Aaliyah Harbin said.

Desha Harbin, Robert Harbins niece, said she long suspected Parham was involved. Desha Harbin said Parham shares children with both her uncle and Towns.

"And I was like, I feel like you set him up because you were just calling his phone last week before he got murdered, threatened him, saying like if you don't drop the charges, something gonna happen to you and your family gonna be feeling sorry," Desha Harbin said.

"Whatever happens in the dark always comes to the light," Desha Harbin said.

Parham was arraigned Thursday on murder, conspiracy and witness intimidation charges. Towns was held without bond Friday.

If convicted on the most serious charges, Towns, Parham and Holland could spend the rest of their lives in prison.

"I feel like they deserve to be charged. I feel like they should not be getting out no time soon. I just feel like they need to be in there for killing my dad like that. I don't think he deserved that at all for you to wanna kill him like that," Aaliyah Harbin said.

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Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield launched a new program and highlighted other initiatives during her first State of the City address Tuesday aimed at growing the city's population and increasing homeownership.

The city is working to grow its population of roughly 645,000 while attracting out-of-towners and former residents through programs like Make Detroit Home and increase the Down Payment Assistance Program.

Watch the video report below: Detroit launches programs to grow the city population and increase homeownership

Sheffield introduced Make Detroit Home as the flagship program of the Move Detroit initiative.

"We're gonna be offering $500,000 in program benefits to 313 Detroiters, current and future, and folks here will get access to up to $15,000 in financial benefits they can use as a down payment, home renovation or investment in their business," Move Detroit President and CEO Hilary Doe said.

Watch Sheffield's State of the City address below: FULL SPEECH: Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield delivers first State of the City

"This mayor has been laser-focused on making sure that she is growing Detroit by taking care of Detroiters," the Mayor's Chief of Staff David Bowser said. "We have talked internally quite a bit about why people leave, and it's lack of opportunity. So we want people to come back and we want people to stay. We have to provide those opportunities to do so."

Mika Handelman, a California native currently living in Tennessee, is buying a house in Detroit's Morningside neighborhood. She says she fell in love with Detroit after completing a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Michigan.

"I mean, No. 1 is just gorgeous historic homes that are still affordable, so I'm trying to snatch before the market goes too crazy," Handelman said.

The city is also launching round three of its Down Payment Assistance Program. The program has already helped nearly 800 Detroiters become first-time homebuyers.

Gail Gibson, 66, used the program to buy the home she had been renting for a decade in the Mount Olivet neighborhood on the east side.

"I'm proud to be a Detroiter and it feels so good when you own your own home. It feels good. I never experienced the feeling of being a homeowner, but now I know how it feels. It feels good. This is mine," Gibson said.

Gibson's experience is inspiring her social circle, including former Detroiters living in the suburbs, to return to the city.

"I got a call from one of my friends saying she's paying $1,300, and she said 'oh, wow. I'm just gonna go ahead and apply for the program.' And she's coming back to Detroit. She was staying in Troy in her apartment and she said that she's gonna try and she's gonna come back to Detroit," Gibson said.

More information on both programs is available here:

Down Payment Assistance Program Move Detroit

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A Metro Detroit woman spent more than $4,000 on a used car, only to find out she could not register it.

Watch Randy Wimbley's video report: Detroit woman unable to register used car gets title issue solved

Marcus Kelley said his daughter, Taylor Kelley, was unable to register the 2015 Chevy Impala she bought at All City Auto Sales in Detroit for nearly a month.

"She bought it March 2nd. She tried to get the car legitimized, tried to go to the Secretary of State to get her, her plates, and insurance and stuff. They told her that she doesn't own the car, they couldn't do it. Uh, she called me crying," Marcus Kelley said. "We went up to the dealership, uh, where she got it from, All, All City. Uh, they said there was nothing they can do about it."

Kelley and his daughter later discovered a lien was on the title. All City Auto Sales denied that, saying they bought the vehicle free and clear from Credit Acceptance.

"To that I say that ain't what the police and the Secretary of State said. So if the Secretary of State says there's a lien on it and the DPD says there's a lien on it, I think I'm gonna go with my people that I'm paying, uh, that I pay my taxpayer money to to tell me that's something right or wrong," Kelley said.

I went to All City Auto Sales for answers. Derrick Hunter is the co-owner of the dealership.

"Well, the dealer registers the car by law, but sometimes the Secretary of State, they decline. If it's a missing signature, if it's any clerical error, they reject this; they can reject the title or the RD 108, and it has to be fixed and sent back to the Secretary of State," Hunter said. "The temporary plate is still valid and still good. It expires tomorrow. The issue will be resolved by the end of business day."

It was. But Steve Lehto, an attorney and auto law expert, said it should never have gotten this far.

"When you buy a vehicle in Michigan from a used car dealer, they should actually have possession of the title at the time that they sell the car to you. And so when you leave the lot, you should be able to go immediately and go and get it registered and, and, you know, apply for a title in your own name. And if that doesn't work out right away, that means that the dealership has done something wrong," Lehto said.

If this happens to you, Lehto said you should contact the Bureau of Regulatory Affairs, which oversees car dealers. https://www.michigan.gov/sos/industry-services/dealers

"It sounds like there was something going on here where the transfer didn't happen perfectly above board, and if a state inspector came in and started poking around and digging through paperwork, I bet they could get to the bottom of it very quickly," Lehto said.

All City Auto Sales did give Taylor $300 for the inconvenience of not being able to register the vehicle.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

A third-party fuel provider mistakenly mixed diesel fuel with gasoline at a Meijer gas station in Clinton Township, potentially damaging the engines of dozens of vehicles.

Watch Randy Wimbley's video report: Drivers could need engine repairs after fuel mix-up at Meijer gas station

Meijer shut down the pumps at the station on Groesbeck upon learning of the mix-up. The grocer began contacting customers who filled up between 6 a.m. last Tuesday, March 17th, and 1 p.m. last Thursday, March 19th.

I spoke with Debra Totzke, who is one of a number of drivers who filled the tank of her brand-new 2026 Ford Escape with the mixed fuel.

"Scary. I was scared like, oh, this is ... my car, you know, how am I going to get anywhere, you know," Totzke said.

Totzke said her SUV has been running smoothly since she refueled her half-empty tank last week. However, expert mechanic Earl Butch Hood, owner of Hoods Car Care Clinic in Detroit, warned other drivers may not be so lucky.

"The car would run really bad, it might be knocking, smoking, but the biggest thing is, is that even if you get it out, some people, like we had one lady drive to us, smoking like crazy," Hood said.

Hood said diesel is thicker than gasoline and can damage piston rings in the engine. He advises drivers who mistakenly fill up with it to not start their cars and instead have them towed to a shop to get the fuel line and tank flushed.

"On an average, it could be about anywhere from $800 to $1,250. Drop the tank, clean it out, refill it," Hood said.

INTERVIEW: Earl Butch Hood talks about the effects of a diesel mix-up on vehicles FULL INTERVIEW: Mechanic Butch Hood talks about effects of Diesel mix up on cars

"Sometimes we have to replace the fuel pump," Hood said.

"It can go all the way up to, hey, not only do I need to clean the tank, you need to replace the engine. OK, so now you got a $5,000 to $6,000 bill easy, and that depends on the size of the engine, alright, and don't let it be a turbo," Hood said.

Meijer said it will reimburse customers for vehicle damage caused by the fuel mix-up. Those impacted should call 616-791-5484 to file a complaint.

Related Story: Fuel mixup at Clinton Township gas station leads to car troubles for customers Fuel mix up at Clinton Township gas stations leads to car troubles for customers

The company said it has been in contact with the third-party fuel provider to ensure this does not happen again. But for some customers, engine trouble or not, the damage is already done.

"I'll never go back to that one again," Totzke said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Retired Detroit Police Sgt. Benjamin Wagner is facing seven counts of criminal sexual conduct and five counts of kidnapping, prompting calls to revoke his pension if he is convicted.

Authorities are awaiting Wagners extradition from North Carolina, where he was arrested.

Watch Randy Wimbley's video report below: Retired Detroit police sergeant faces rape and kidnapping charges

After my initial report on Thursday, a viewer reached out to ask what would happen to the former sergeant's retirement account in light of the allegations. I followed up and learned from the city that it may depend on whether the alleged crimes happened while Wagner was on duty.

"I was horrified," Board of Police Commissioner Darryl Woods said regarding his initial reaction to the allegations.

"He don't deserve one penny of those pensions being a predator while you're a police officer. You leave here as a sergeant if you are guilty of that, shame on you. You should forfeit your pension and give it to those victims you victimized," Woods said.

"The deplorable fact in this case is that the person that we are charging today has led a double life as a law enforcement officer and a serial rapist," Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said.

Old accusations are also resurfacing. In a separate case in 2002, Wagner went on trial for allegedly raping a young relative when she was 7 years old, with the alleged crimes continuing into her teens. A jury found Wagner not guilty in that 2002 case.

Connor Ferrick, the family attorney for Wagners relative and alleged victim, says the charges announced this week is vindication.

"We had an innocent little girl in a tough situation who came out to talk about this monster, but we ran up against the blue wall. It was clear to me they werent going to believe her over this police officer," Ferrick said.

Watch Randy Wimbley's initial video report below: Ex-Detroit police sergeant led 'double life' as serial rapist, prosecutor says

Less than a year after Wagner was cleared in the 2002 case, he allegedly kidnapped a 16-year-old girl on Ferguson Street near 7 Mile Mile and the Southfield Freeway as she walked to a bus stop to get to school. He allegedly held her at gunpoint and raped her.

Wagner is accused of kidnapping and raping four other girls and young women between 1999 and 2003.

Worthy said Wagner retired from the Detroit Police Department in 2017.

See the press conference from the prosecutor's office in the video below: Prosecutors announce charges against ex-DPD sergeant who was allegedly a serial rapist

Sources told me Wagner was under an internal investigation when he left the department because he allegedly had a young female who was reported missing living with him. I reached out to the Detroit Police Department for comment about that investigation, but the department declined.

"No one is above the law, and these allegations are absolutely disturbing and when we get allegations, we take them seriously and we investigate them," Chief Todd Bettison said.

Anyone who believes Wagner sexually assaulted them should call the Detroit Police Department Sex Crimes Unit at 313-596-1950.

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A 9-year-old Detroit student says a substitute teacher directed other students to physically attack him, leaving him with a black eye, cuts on his face and a concussion. The Detroit Public Schools Community District says the substitute teacher has been placed on administrative leave while an investigation is underway.

C'Antae Fleming, a fourth grader at Robert Burns Elementary-Middle School on Detroit's west side, says the incident happened on a Friday morning after the substitute teacher warned him to stay seated and away from the computer.

Watch the video report below: 9-year-old Detroit boy says substitute teacher had other students attack him

"That's when she just like, trying to tell the kids to handle me, like try to push me to my desk. That's what they were telling me to do and she said if I get up one more time, she's gonna get the kids to jump me," C'Antae said.

The 9-year-old says he was punched, held down and strangled by other students.

"Her hits just hurt and that's what hurt, so that's what made me sad and then the kids were choking me until my face was red," C'Antae said.

Watch our full interview with C'Antae and his mother Jay'Shelle below: FULL INTERVIEW: Jay'Shelle Warfield and her son C'Antae Fleming talk about the incident

His mother, Jay'Shelle Warfield, says she did not learn about the incident until C'Antae and his brother Chase got off the school bus that afternoon.

"Chase immediately comes to me. He says 'mom, C'Antae got hit today. C'Antae got hit by a teacher.' I say, 'who?'" Warfield said.

Warfield says the account was later backed up by another parent.

"My old neighbor called me, and her children just started there two weeks ago, and she said her children came home and told her 'momma, a little boy got punched by a teacher today and there kids were holding him and pinning him down,'" Warfield said.

Warfield says her son has a history of seizures, making the injuries to his head and face especially alarming.

"My son had seizures, so anything to his face or head, I'm gonna be concerned about. He has a history of seizures," Warfield said.

DPSCD provided a statement saying:

"Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) became aware of an incident involving a substitute teacher who allegedly engaged in misconduct after school hours. The individual has been placed on administrative leave and is not permitted to accept substitute assignments in any DPSCD school while the matter is under investigation. We take matters involving student safety extremely seriously. A thorough investigation is underway, and any findings will be referred to law enforcement."

Retired DPSCD Police Lt. David Wallace says incidents like this were rare during his time on the job but have become more common.

"Normally in my experience, the teacher was always in charge of the classroom and it comes down to classroom management," Wallace said.

Wallace says the pressures on educators today are significant.

Watch our full interview with David Wallace below: FULL INTERVIEW: Former Detroit schools police officer David Wallace on the incident

"Learning starts at home, so some of those traits that you have, you bring it into the classroom and then the teacher will have to deal with it. She has 25 or 30 other students with different personalities to deal with, and that's stressful for an educator," Wallace said.

"We all have to work together to ensure situations like this won't happen again."

C'Antae has not returned to school since the incident. His mother says she is working to enroll him elsewhere.

The investigation is ongoing. The substitute teacher cannot accept any substitute assignments while on administrative leave.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

A Detroit police officer is suspended and under investigation after a woman says he stole intimate videos and photos from her phone while she was in custody.

Samantha Thomason says the officer sent intimate videos and a nude photo from her phone to himself while she was detained following a traffic stop. Detroit police confirm the officer is under investigation and was arrested earlier this week.

Watch the video report below: Detroit officer arrested after woman says he stole her intimate images

"It is just kind of like scary to think that you're someone who is here to protect people, that's your job, that's what you're supposed to do, and yet you chose to do something like that," Thomason said.

Thomason says the incident began late Tuesday night when she first encountered the officer at a gas station on the city's east side. She was later pulled over at Harper and Morang avenue for driving without insurance and arrested on a probation violation warrant out of Canton.

Thomason says she suspected something was wrong after the officer got hold of her phone during the stop. She says she did not confirm what happened until she bonded out the following morning.

"When you initially first seen even the text just sent to the number, it was a sexual video off of my phone. So I already knew that was weird because I didn't have access to my phone at this time. The only people who had my phone were the two officers who arrested me," Thomason said.

Hear more from Samantha Thomason in the video player below: Samantha Thomason describes what she noticed about her phone following her arrest

Thomason says 12 items total were sent from her phone 11 videos and one photo.

She says she texted the unknown number from a different phone with a direct message: "I will be reporting you because you sent my nudes."

Thomason claims the officer then showed up at her home shortly after.

"My boyfriend's brother, the one who wasn't there when we got pulled over, he answered the door and he was asking the officer what's going on? And he was like, is Samantha Thomason here? I have a warrant for her arrest," Thomason said.

"He asked him to see the warrant, but he wouldn't show him the warrant," Thomason said.

The officer eventually left, and Thomason called 911 to report him.

Sources told me the officer has less than five years on the force and worked in the 5th Precinct's Special Operations Unit. He was still in custody at the Detroit Detention Center as of Friday afternoon. Internal Affairs is investigating.

Detroit police released a statement on the allegations:

"This matter is being actively investigated. The involved officer was arrested and conveyed to the Detroit Detention Center for processing. The alleged actions are concerning and do not represent the overwhelming majority of Detroit Police officers who maintain a high level of conduct and professionalism that they have sworn to uphold. The officer has been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation. At the conclusion of the investigation, the findings will be submitted to the Wayne County Prosecutors Office for review."

Thomason says she wants the officer to face serious consequences.

"He should be in jail. He should, for one, definitely lose you should not be a police officer at all," Thomason said.

Once the investigation is complete, the Detroit Police Department will turn the case over to the Wayne County Prosecutor for a charging decision.

Mikey Brown, owner of Sloppy Chops restaurant, was shot and killed outside Suite 100 Bar and Venue on Detroit's west side, prompting the business to close and reigniting debate over late-night operating hours in residential neighborhoods.

Brown was gunned down outside Suite 100 around 4 a.m. last Saturday. Two others were injured in the same shooting. Detroit Police and Crime Stoppers are urging anyone with information to come forward, and callers can remain anonymous.

Watch the video report below: Detroit bar closes after shooting kills Sloppy Chops restaurant owner Mikey 'Mike B' Brown

His brother, Myron Brown, is making an emotional public plea for witnesses to speak up.

"My brother took care of a lot of people. He provided a lot of jobs. Now, I just ask that you guys help him out this one time and speak up," Myron Brown said.

Myron Brown described his older brother known throughout Detroit as "Mike B." as more than a successful business owner. He said Mikey Brown was a devoted husband, father, and a father figure to him personally.

Video: Myron Brown talks about his brother's impact 'He just wanted the best for everybody.' oMyron Brown talks about his brother's impact

"Our father passed when I was 1 year old, he was 5 years old. And my oldest brother was 10 years old. He taught me how to play basketball, he was always on me about my grades and my behavior," Myron Brown said.

Tributes for Mikey Brown flooded social media following his death.

Detroit Police are asking the public to help develop leads in the case. Detroit Police Department spokesperson Jasmine Barmore urged the community to act.

"Come forward, speak up, say something," Barmore said.

Crime Stoppers' Dan Bardino emphasized that tipsters will not be identified.

"Over the last 6 years, we've taken in 42,000 anonymous tips, and not one of those tipsters has ever been identified," Bardino said.

Brown's murder also reignited calls for Detroit to reconsider how late businesses can operate in residential areas. Per state law, bars and restaurants cannot serve alcohol past 2 a.m. and cannot stay open past 2:30 a.m. Councilwoman Angela Whitfield Calloway plans to take up the issue and says an enforcement crackdown is on the way.

Isiah "Zeek" Williams, from the community violence intervention group New Era Detroit, addressed City Council on Tuesday.

"When we get a lot of our stats back, most of the crime and violence happens late night," Williams said.

Williams said the conversation is not about targeting businesses, but about protecting neighborhoods.

"I talked to a lady the other day, she lives behind one of these after-hours spots. She told me she's trying to raise her kids here, and she has to worry at 3, 4, 5 o'clock in the morning if a fight is going to break out and people are going to start shooting while her kids are laying in bed. These are the types of situations that we are here standing up fighting for," Williams said.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Detroit Police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. Callers can remain anonymous.

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A 13-month-old boy was found alive after spending nearly two days trapped inside a locked, impounded car at an Eastpointe tow lot. His father is now facing child abuse charges, and questions are being raised about whether police should have done more before the vehicle was towed.

Watch Randy Wimbley's video report: Father charged after toddler found trapped in locked impounded car

Orlander Linson Jr. is charged with second-degree child abuse. He is accused of leaving his toddler son inside an illegally parked vehicle in Harper Woods last Thursday night. The car was impounded to an Eastpointe tow lot the following day.

The child was inside the vehicle from Thursday night until Saturday afternoon, when Detroit and Harper Woods officers discovered him crying, pinned between a car seat and the passenger door at the tow lot.

PREVIOUS STORY: Toddler found alive inside impounded car in Eastpointe lot; father in custody Toddler found alive inside impounded car in Eastpointe lot; father in custody

Earlier that day, the child's mother went to the Detroit Police Department's Ninth Precinct to report him missing. A detective learned Harper Woods Police had impounded her boyfriend's vehicle and suspected the toddler might be inside.

Harper Woods Police Chief Jason Hammerle said the officer who impounded the vehicle conducted a visual inspection but did not see the child inside. Because the car was locked, it was not thoroughly inventoried.

When I asked whether officers had lockout tools to check inside the vehicle, Hammerle said, "We do not possess those types of tools. I'm satisfied our officer followed policy in that incident. We cannot enter or damage locked vehicles, and he did a visual inspection from the outside I'm satisfied with that."

Hammerle did credit the Detroit detective who tracked down the vehicle.

"That detective did an outstanding job by locating the car, considering it wasn't quite registered to the suspect yet in this case," Hammerle said.

FULL INTERVIEW: Harper Woods Director of Public Safety details case where toddler was in impounded car FULL INTERVIEW: Harper Woods Director of Public Safety details case where toddler was in impounded car

Retired Detroit Assistant Police Chief Steve Dolunt believes Harper Woods Police should have done more.

"They couldn't get into it right away. From what I've seen in the past, all tow yards have a Slim Jim or some way to get into cars. Granted, the car wasn't flagged the officer thought it was just a routine impound. In this case, it was not," Dolunt said. "Fortunately, they got to it before the baby was deceased. So yeah, they dropped the ball."

In court, investigators pushed for a high cash bond, citing Linson's history and lack of a permanent address.

"Mr. Linson Jr. has 10 active warrants for his arrest, and he does not have a residence at this time," Deputy Chief Ted Stager said. "So if he does bond out, I'm concerned that he may be in the wind, and we have no way to find out where he would be."

Linson's court-appointed attorney, Davonne Darby, argued for a personal bond.

"Mr. Linson is employed at the Little Caesars Arena as a security guard. He also is a father of five, and he realizes that this is just a bad decision made in a split second, so we're hoping that he could have a personal bond so that he can adjudicate this case and get back to his family quickly," Darby said.

Police have not said what Linson was doing when he allegedly left his son alone in the car.

The child is recovering in the hospital and is in the custody of Child Protective Services. Linson is being held on a $100,000 bond and is due back in court March 11.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

A Taylor woman is facing multiple felony charges after a series of high-speed police pursuits involving four departments, nearly 40 calls to 911 over 12 hours and concerning statements made against officers.

Stacy Sears, 54, was given a $100,000 bond in court. The magistrate said she is a danger to the community.

Watch the video report below: Taylor woman held on $100K bond after police chases, flooding 911 with calls

The incidents began late Monday night in Trenton, where Sears fled during a traffic stop. Taylor police picked up the pursuit early Tuesday morning, but officers called it off to avoid endangering the public.

Detective Lt. Josh Schneider said Sears then called police herself before fleeing again.

"About an hour later, we actually received a call from her. She was calling wanting officers to respond to her location. Officers went back out and again, she fled from our officers a second time," Schneider said.

Investigators say that is when Sears began flooding 911 with calls, making disturbing statements that were revealed in court.

Schneider said the calls raised immediate alarm.

"She again continued calling our 911 system. She's affecting our dispatch and ability to answer other 911 calls that are coming in," Schneider said.

Watch our previous report about the chase below: Dashcam video shows chase that ended at Wayne County landfill; suspect had 9 guns in the car

The threats made in those calls were serious, according to investigators.

"Threatening to shoot them, to kill them if anybody were to come to her house. She was more than willing to kill the Taylor police officers if they were to respond," Magistrate Britney Carmona of 23rd District Court said.

That prompted Taylor police to launch an operation to take her into custody. The pursuit ended in a landfill in Huron Township, where the chase startled nearby residents.

"There were like 10 Huron cops in the driveway with their guns drawn, and he (my son) seen someone go by about 80 miles an hour. He was kinda scared," neighbor Holli Eramo previously told us.

Police found nine firearms in Sears' SUV, making the 911 threats even more alarming to the court.

"In one of her complaints, she indicated she had a shotgun, she had a scope. And lo and behold, one of the things recovered was a scope and that shotgun. So I don't think these were mere threats. I think she was very much able to carry out those threats," Carmona said.

Watch dashcam video of the chase below: Dash cam video shows chase that ended at Wayne County landfill; suspect had 9 guns in the car

Carmona also ordered a mental health assessment for Sears.

Schneider said mental health is a concern shared by Sears' own family.

"Definitely a concern for mental health. We did speak to some family. They also had concerns, confirming our suspicions. Hopefully, she can get the help that she needs," Schneider said.

Sears is charged with fleeing and eluding, reckless driving, carrying a concealed weapon and misuse of 911.

She could face additional charges related to the threatening statements made during those calls. Investigators are reviewing the recordings and will turn them over to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office for a charging decision.

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Ypsilanti police raided a downtown vape shop in mid-February after months of complaints that children were buying marijuana there and authorities say the store wasn't even licensed to sell it.

Officers shut down Ypsi Smoke and Mart, chaining and padlocking its doors. Inside, police seized marijuana packaged in ways that Police Chief Tim Anderson says could easily fool parents.

Watch Randy Wimbley's video report below: Police say Ypsilanti vape shop was selling marijuana to kids in candy-inspired packaging

"Again, if you pay attention here this packaging. Got Slimer here. This is what some of the young kids are carrying around. At first glance, you may think this is candy or cookies and cream, but what's really inside is THC, marijuana," Anderson said.

Anderson said the shop was allegedly selling marijuana to children who may have been coming from school or the nearby transit center.

"It was being distributed to children, maybe as they came from school or left the transit center. We were able to substantiate some of those claims through investigations, which led us to the vape shop," Anderson said.

The shop had a sign on its door stating customers must be 21 or older to enter.

Some customers said they were shocked to learn marijuana was being sold inside at all.

"I didn't even know they sold marijuana," Russell Shropshire said.

Lee Tooson, who frequents the area, said he was not surprised by the enforcement action.

"Police were saying that they believe the shop was selling weed to kids. I wouldn't doubt it from what I saw coming in and out of here, it was nothing but kids. A lot of little kids. They jump off that bus and come over here and crowd around," Tooson said.

Ypsilanti parents Halie Gatz and Xavier Anderson said the allegations left them stunned.

"It's irritating because what if my child was 15 or a little older, and next thing you know, he comes home and says, 'Mom, look what I got.' Like, no," Gatz said.

"That's kind of messed up because you never know what kid might walk in there, then come home to their parents looking all high and can't do anything for themselves. Next thing you know CPS is calling and kids get taken because they came home high," Xavier Anderson said.

Calls to the listed owner of the building were not returned.

Chief Anderson said the bust should serve as a warning to other smoke shops in the area.

"We take these complaints seriously, we're going to investigate, and we have no problem coming in and shutting you down when you're involved in illicit and illegal activity," Anderson said.

Police say this is an ongoing investigation. Their report has been forwarded to the Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office for review.

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Three men, including two Marine veterans, were found bludgeoned to death in a Detroit home's basement this week, with police arresting a 27-year-old suspect who has connections to the victims.

Watch Randy Wimbley's video reports: Tip leads to arrest in Detroit triple murder Marine veterans among 3 men found dead in Detroit basement homicides

The bodies of 66-year-old Norman Hamlin, 72-year-old William Barrett, and 65-year-old Mark Barnett were discovered Wednesday in the basement of Hamlin's home on Edsel near Schaefer and I-75 in southwest Detroit. Police believe the men were killed sometime between Monday evening and Tuesday morning.

Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison confirmed officers arrested a suspect Thursday afternoon after receiving a community tip that the suspect was in the 1400 block of West Vernor.

RAW VIDEO: Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison updates triple murder investigation RAW VIDEO: Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison updates triple murder investigation

"We believe that the suspect has a connection to the victims," Chief Bettison said.

The 27-year-old suspect is currently on parole, with past crimes including carjacking, armed robbery, fleeing police, and resisting and obstructing officers.

During the arrest, police recovered a vehicle near the suspect's home that could play a crucial role in the case.

"Inside the vehicle, we found evidence that we believe is connected to these homicides," Chief Bettison said.

A missing persons report led officers to Hamlin's home. Both Hamlin and Barnett were Marine veterans.

Caroline Stackhouse, Barnett's ex-wife, who was married to him for eight years before their divorce in 1992, said she had a gut feeling something was wrong when a neighbor told her about the gruesome discovery.

"I'm still trying to process it, you know, even though we wasn't together, but he still was my, he's the father of my child, so, still trying to figure that one out," Stackhouse said.

When she heard about the incident, Stackhouse immediately told her son to call his father.

"Cause I knew in my heart, in my spirit. But I didn't want to believe it," she said. "And then, later on that day, we found out it was him."

FULL INTERVIEW: Caroline Stackhouse talks about her ex-husband and the murder investigation FULL INTERVIEW: Caroline Stackhouse talks about her ex-husband and the murder investigation

Stackhouse said she and her son are now preparing for Barnett's funeral. Her son has been struggling with the news.

"He broke down, yeah, off and on. He was breaking down, so. He's gonna take it hard. I know he is, he's gonna take it real hard," she said.

Despite not knowing the circumstances surrounding the crime, Stackhouse hopes for justice.

"I don't know the people that he was with or the person that might have done it. I don't know none of that stuff, but I just hope everything come to a closure," Stackhouse said.

Police say this triple homicide was an isolated incident and there is no danger to the public. The homicide task force, comprised of Detroit and Michigan State Police detectives, is working to get a warrant request to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office for a charging decision.

The investigation remains active.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Two young men died, and several others were hospitalized after being exposed to toxic gas during a well-cleaning job in St. Clair County on Tuesday afternoon.

Watch Randy Wimbley's video report: 2 men die from toxic gas during well cleaning job in St. Clair County

Michael Kammer Jr., 21, and Daniel Hagle, 20, were working at a recently sold home on Cribbins Road in Clyde Township when a chemical reaction created deadly hydrogen sulfide gas in the confined space beneath the home's porch. The families of Kammer and Hagle have started GoFundMe campaigns for support. You can donate at the links for each of their names.

"I collapsed, I couldn't breathe. I couldn't do nothing. I just froze. No mother should have never had to see that," said Jenny Kammer, Michael's mother, who watched as first responders retrieved her son's body.

Jenny Kammer and her husband, Michael, were too shaken for an on-camera interview, instead sharing their grief over the phone.

"He didn't have any clothes on. They brought him out naked because of all the chemicals on his clothing from the well," she said.

The workers were using muriatic acid to clean the well, a job Michael Kammer Jr. had been doing since his teen years, according to his father.

"This has been apparently a substance they used in the past, but this was a confined space, so when the acid interacted with a mineral or chemical in that well, it off-gassed," said St. Clair County Sheriff Mat King.

When Hagle saw Kammer become unresponsive, he called for help and then went into the well to try to rescue him. The hydrogen sulfide gas quickly overwhelmed both men.

"He saw his partner go down, and it was unresponsive to him calling for him, and he tried to get him out of the wells, and when he went in there, he was then in that confined space, and he was overwhelmed by the gases as well," King said.

First responders knew the scene was dangerous the moment they arrived.

"The deputies, at first, wanted to try to help, but they could smell gas from where they exited their vehicle near the road and realized they could obviously be overcome by these fumes as well. They had to back off until fire was able to get on scene and have the proper PPE to enter the area," King said.

Three other men working at the home were hospitalized for gas exposure and are expected to recover. Several first responders at the scene were decontaminated at a local hospital as a precaution.

Both Kammer and Hagle were rushed to the hospital, where they were pronounced dead. The medical examiner's office is still working to determine the official cause of death.

The families are now mourning and holding onto memories of their loved ones.

"He would give his shirt off his back to help anybody. He was engaged to get married later on this year," Jenny Kammer said.

"It's tragic, you know, we have two young men that were out working, working hard, you know, trying to make their way, and unfortunately, like I said, that variable of the confined space seems to be the difference," King said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Federal immigration officials have purchased a vacant building in Romulus and plan to convert it into a detention facility, sparking concern among residents and local officials about the project's impact on the community.

Watch Randy Wimbley's video report: ICE facility plan in Romulus sparks concern as officials tout economic impact

The facility would be housed in the former Gage Marketing Group headquarters. Immigration and Customs Enforcement says the project will create nearly 1,500 jobs and contribute $160 million to the GDP while roughly $33 million in tax revenue.

However, the plan has drawn fierce opposition from some residents and elected officials who worry about the facility's effects on their neighborhood.

"Other than human rights violations, other than the fact that they always tell us yeah, we can't build affordable housing, we can't fix the economy, but we can do this," Michael Calabrese said.

State Sen. Darrin Camilerri criticized the federal government's approach to the project.

"This has not been authorized by the local government or the state government or the county government. Our city doesn't want this here," Camilerri said.

Hear more from Darrin Camilerri below: Sen. Darrin Camilerri shares his opposition for ICE facility plan in Romulus

Camilerri said officials are researching potential local actions, including ordinances or resolutions, to address community concerns.

"The thing that is most clear is that residents need to speak out, peacefully protest and do what they can to lift up their voice to say that we don't want ICE in our communities," Camilerri said.

Some residents expressed concerns about potential protests disrupting daily life, referencing recent demonstrations in Minneapolis following immigration enforcement actions and the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

"You're bringing it to the wrong town. Setting it up in a residential area like that, you're endangering folks, you're endangering this community," Debra Singal said.

"My biggest fear is if a bunch of protesters start blocking the street out there, how am I going to get to work and get her (child) to day care? Outside of that, I don't think it's really going to affect me," Joel Shaeffer said.

Judith Frederick worried about the long-term impact on the community, saying, "Nobody is going to want to move here if this is here. Everybody's already scared and it's not even here yet."

However, the facility has some supporters. Sunny Reddy, co-chair of the Michigan Republican Party, said she would feel comfortable living near the law enforcement facility.

"Everybody says they need to have a due process, and that's what they are. We are trying to create, the federal government trying to create the facility, so that they can be placed there while they are going through the due process," Reddy said.

Hear more from Sunny Reddy below: Michigan GOP Co-chair Sunny Reddy talks benefits of ICE facility plan in Romulus

In a statement, ICE said it is targeting "criminal illegal aliens including murderers, rapists, pedophiles, gang members and more." The federal agency claims 70% of its arrests involve people charged or convicted of crimes in the U.S., though that figure has been contested.

"That is not accurate based on their own data. The data that I've seen most recently says 70 percent have zero criminal record at all and so we're not talking about folks who are doing hard crimes. Nobody wants those types of individuals in your neighborhood. But we're talking about, literally, small business owners," Sen. Camilleri said.

ICE says the new facility will follow strict detention standards while bringing significant economic benefits to the area.

Congressman Shri Thanedar has launched a petition aimed at stopping the detention facility project.

The Romulus City Council is scheduled to meet Monday, Feb. 23. While it's unclear if the ICE facility will be on the agenda, some residents plan to voice their concerns about the project.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Scammers are posing as legitimate tow truck companies online, taking money from stranded drivers and leaving them without help, according to a local wrecker service owner who has seen multiple cases in recent weeks.

Watch Randy Wimbley's video report: Scammers posing as tow truck companies are demanding hundreds up front

Bill Byers, owner of Byers Wrecker Service in Rochester, said one customer sat on a dirt road north of Rochester for six hours after paying more than $300 to what he thought was a legitimate towing company. No truck ever arrived.

"These people are calling them on the phone and they're going, 'we can send somebody out but it'll be a $300 charge prior to us coming out up to $600, I've even heard more," Byers said.

Extended interview: Bill Byers explains how drivers are falling victim to scammers WEB EXTRA: Bill Byers talks about towing scams and how to protect yourself

Byers started noticing this scam about two weeks ago. He said stressed drivers are calling companies they find through Google searches, but the addresses listed sometimes aren't actual tow lots.

The scam almost always begins with a demand for hundreds of dollars upfront, according to Byers.

"No legitimate towing business should ask money up front on a credit card," Byers said.

He explained that while some companies do require upfront payment to prevent customers from leaving before the truck arrives, legitimate fees should be $50 to $75, never $300, $600 or $900.

Byers said suspected scammers sometimes call trusted towing services like his, posing as customers or roadside assistance companies requesting a tow. However, these callers have already collected payment from the actual stranded driver.

"We went to a house up in Orion Township for a classic car and the gentleman said he already paid $392 to have his car towed, and it was only being towed two blocks two miles it was within a small area, and when we got there to collect he said I already paid, well we didn't get paid," Byers said. "So here we are, and we told him, 'you need to call and stop that transaction because this scam is going on.'"

The Oakland County Sheriff's Office Computer Crimes Unit is actively investigating the scam.

"Any time they can get some kind of electronic payment or some other kind of methodology to get you to send them money without services, they're all about it," Sheriff Mike Bouchard said.

Bouchard said some scammers are even intercepting calls intended for legitimate tow truck companies.

"Our computer crimes unit is kind of evaluating and trying to examine the whole situation to determine, you know, where the security breach is that Google is now sending them or calling the wrong number with the wrong party on the other end," Bouchard said.

If you suspect you're being targeted by a scammer, hang up, don't pay over the phone, and look for another tow truck company. You can also call your local police or sheriff's department to connect you with a legitimate towing company.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.