Armed Crew Rams U-Haul Into Michigan Cannabis Facility, Kidnaps Security Guard, and Sparks Police Chase
“They pulled me from my car, duct-taped my hands and mouth, and took my weapon.” – Security guard statement to police
HAZEL PARK, Mich. — A brazen, early-morning heist at a marijuana processing center in Hazel Park erupted into chaos last week, leaving a security guard bound with duct tape and two suspects in custody while at least four others remain on the run.
The Smash-and-Grab
Around 1 a.m. on August 8, a Hazel Park police officer patrolling near John R and Eight Mile Road witnessed a plume of dust and debris erupt from a commercial building. Seconds later, she saw a U-Haul truck speeding away from the scene. Investigators say the suspects had rammed the vehicle into the HP Lab Group marijuana processing center at 21107 John R, tearing a gaping hole in the building’s wall. Inside, a security guard was overpowered by multiple armed suspects.
The Kidnapping
According to police, the guard reported being confronted by several men carrying guns. They yanked him from his vehicle, disarmed him, and bound his hands and mouth with duct tape before forcing him back into his car. The kidnappers drove him a short distance away, leaving him restrained. The guard managed to free himself and walk back to the facility’s parking lot, where officers later found him shaken but physically unharmed.
The Chase and Arrests
The patrol officer immediately pursued the fleeing U-Haul, chasing it onto I-94. The vehicle eventually stopped near Newport and Camden, where multiple suspects bolted on foot. Two were apprehended and identified as Michael Hopson and Michael Robinson, who now face charges of unlawful imprisonment (a 15-year felony) and breaking and entering (a 10-year felony). Police recovered approximately 40 stolen THC vape cartridges at the scene.
Suspects Still at Large
Authorities believe at least four other suspects escaped during the chaos. Hazel Park Police are urging anyone with information to contact them at 248-542-6161. Hazel Park Police Chief Brian Buchholz praised the quick response of his officers, noting that “a potentially dangerous situation involving an armed crew was stopped before anyone was seriously hurt.” For now, the investigation continues — and a violent crew willing to ram trucks into buildings and abduct guards is still partly on the loose.
Key Takeaways
A U-Haul truck was used to smash into HP Lab Group cannabis facility in Hazel Park around 1 a.m. on Aug. 8.
Armed suspects kidnapped and duct-taped a security guard before fleeing.
Police pursued the U-Haul to I-94, arresting two men; four others remain at large.
Around 40 stolen THC vape cartridges were recovered.
Suspects face felony charges of unlawful imprisonment and breaking and entering.
