By ZEINAB NAJM
Times-Herald Newspapers
DEARBORN — Eric Demarte of Garden City was arrested in connection to a liquor store armed robbery Aug. 6 followed by a chase that ended on AK Steel property.
He was arraigned in the 21st District Court and charged with first degree retail fraud and eluding. His bond was set at $15,000 cash. If convicted, his previous criminal history could increase his sentence.
A coordinated effort between five police and fire agencies led to Demarte’s arrest after he was found hiding in a tree. The Dearborn United Dispatch Center with Michigan State Police, Detroit, Garden City and Melvindale police departments and Dearborn Fire Department combined in the search and arrest.
Demarte was wanted for the armed robbery of Express Liquor, 31450 Cherry Hill Road in Garden City, just after 9 a.m. Aug. 6. He fled in a white and tan Ford F-150.
As officers saw the truck driving at Ford Road and Brant, they attempted a traffic stop but Demarte did not stop, and a chase began into Dearborn Heights on eastbound Ford Road.
Demarte led police to southbound Telegraph and when the truck hit the area of I-94, Dearborn police joined the pursuit to Schaefer Road and Mellon.
According to reports, he abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. Demarte entered the AK Steel plant area to hide in the tall grass before he was arrested at 5:30 p.m. following a search near Schaefer Road and Butler.
Police asked at the time that the public avoid the area as the search was conducted. A lockdown at the Rouge Complex began at all buildings and was lifted about 1:35 p.m. that afternoon. No shots were fired.
(Zeinab Najm can be reached at [email protected])