Canton police nab suspects in storage unit thefts

    Two Indiana residents are facing felony criminal charges in relation to a series of break-ins at Canton Township storage facilities.

    Officers from the Canton Township Police Investigative Bureau initiated an investigation in April, following reports of break-ins at storage operations located in the area of Joy Road and Haggerty Road. Detectives identified Umar Long and Michelle Gilbert as people of interest during the investigation.
    Canton officers apprehended Long on April 27 in the act of breaking into additional storage units. He was taken into police custody and a search warrant issued for a Canton-area hotel where police arrested Gilbert and recovered stolen property estimated in value at tens of thousands of dollars, police said.
    Police officials said more than 30 victims of thefts by the suspects have been identified. Additional victims may exist, police said, as the investigation continues.
    The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office formally charged 45-year-old Umar Long and 41-year-old Michelle Gilbert, both of Indianapolis, Ind., each with one count of larceny of $20,000 or more, a 10-year felony; receiving and concealing stolen property, $20,000 or more, a 10-year felony and five counts of breaking and entering, each count a 10-year felony.
    Both defendants were arraigned April 29 before Judge Michael Gerou of the 35th District Court and each was issued a $50,000 cash bond. Their next court appearance is scheduled for May 9, at the 35th District Court.
    Police said they encourage anyone who believes they may be a victim in this situation to contact the department at (734) 394-5400.